In this instance, the family is well aware of the value of the material. It
may be some considerable time before any of it is available to the general
public, but it won't be thrown out, that is for sure. I know of a number of
situations where some absolutely stunning material of varying amounts is
quietly keeping a low profile. Unlike times past, people are becoming more
aware that this sort of material is valuable. Some folks are hoping to cash
in monetarily on that historical value when the time is right. Other folks
have still different reasons for not letting the stuff loose for the time
being. I've been in the game of chasing down old KV photos for over 25
years and I doubt that I am even close to tracking down a quarter of what's
still out there. Even after all the door-pounding over those 25+ years, I
am still constantly amazed at the photos (and sometimes other artefacts)
that keep bubbling to the surface. There are also times when I'm shown
stuff that I can't copy or say where I saw it, I just have to be content
with finding an answer to a longstanding question, and yesterday was one
such day. I think that a photo of 5911 at Walhachin is well worth letting
folks know about even if that's all I can say about it.
Joe Smuin
-----Original Message-----
From: John
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2010 5:56 PM
To: cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [cpsig] [casing] Re: CPR 5900 Selkirk's west of Taft, BC.
The problem is that sometimes their wives, especially if it is a 2nd
marriage, may consider it junk and clean house as soon as the old-timer
passes on. I understand this was the case for a significant collection of
photographs taken during construction of the Kootenay Central.
They may have "good reasons" for not sharing, but I think an awful lot gets
lost when descendants who have no connection with railways clear out
Grandfather's or Uncle's house. Tired furniture and dishes to the goodwill
store, a few obvious family relics kept, and everything else in the
dumpster.
John
--- In cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "K V Railway" <kvrailway@...> wrote:
Old-timers are sometimes quite aware of the historical value of their
material. They have their good reasons for not sharing this material,
frustrating as that may be to the modelling and rail-fan community. The
main thing is that the material has survived. What is out there lying in
boxes and albums is mind-bending, I can assure you. Someday there will be a
story to be told. All in due time.
Joe Smuin
