Does anyone have any information on the ramp-type coaling station that once existed in Wadley, GA? When it was built, torn down, photos, drawings, anything? Can I find out if there is anything in the historic records in Savannah using email or the internet?

-- Randy Young (randyy@mindspring.com), September 24, 2000

Answers

Randy,

The Georgia Historical Society in Savannah has most, but not all, of the Central's Engineering Department files. These go back to about 1900. There are construction specification files which would include date built, materials used, plans used, exact location (some including maps), and various other data. There are also about 40,000 original CofGa drawings in their files, which include coaling towers, stations, turntables, turnouts, etc. These are all ink-on-linen or ink-on-paper drawings.

It is likely that there are some Wadley files there, but some files were destroyed before the collection was rescued by the GHS, so it is possible that they don't exist. There is an index of drawings in alphabetical order by geographical listing, so it would be fairly simple to determine whether or not any drawings for Wadley exist. The engineering files are listed in a separate index, but I don't think those are in alphabetical order. I don't know if the GHS does research for patrons via e-mail, but you could call them to find out (912) 651-2125.

I would suggest that you try to make a trip to the GHS in Savannah. It is well worth your time.

(Note: The CGRHS will be having our annual meeting in Savannah October 13-14. Our business meeting will be held Friday evening at the GHS library.)

Allen Tuten

-- Allen Tuten (allen@cofg.org), September 24, 2000.