Categories: Archives 2024, Congregational Life, Mens Breakfast

Our Railroad Town

PM Breakfast, Jan 13, 8am

This Saturday, Prepared by Men’s Breakfast welcomes Fred Friedman, a noted New Mexico railroad historian and long-time Santa Fe resident. Fred will talk to us about our long and diverse railroad history and the continual re-invention over time. He has fascinating stories to tell.

Program

Our speaker Fred Friedman will present a brief overview of Santa Fe’s long and diverse railroad history of this critical infrastructure. The PowerPoint slide talk will cover territorial New Mexico’s need for a railroad connection, the numerous railroads that have come and gone here, remaining depots, and present-day railroads serving the Santa Fe area.

We’ll discuss why building into Santa Fe was the last priority for the railroad bearing the name Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Rail Road, and why is was critical to statehood for the local citizens. You’ll know how the line running down to Lamy has continually re-invented itself, surviving for 143 years, having involvement in Fred Harvey’s empire, two world wars, the Manhattan Project, and has become a major attraction today as Sky Railway. We’ll discuss the Chili Line, Amtrak, and speculate on the likelihood of future railroad activities hereabouts.

Presenter Fred Friedman, is a long time Santa Fe resident, having worked in state government as the former Railroad Bureau head, as a rail accident investigator, expert witness for railroad accident cases, writer, and lecturer.

Breakfast

For this breakfast there will be another pancake surprise planned by John Whitcomb, chief cook emeritus and quartermaster. John has been an integral part of Men’s Breakfast for over 40 years.

Invitation to Participate

Text Wally at 214-893-7211 or email bettesw@gmail.com to be put on the monthly Evite reminders to which you can also RSVP. Also text Wally if you might want to participate as back-up/assistant chef, bottle washer, or bussboy for Prepared by Men’s Breakfast, or if you have a program suggestion.