The link below to a LIFE Magazine picture archive site only came to my attention after the 60th anniversary of the last run of the D&RGW’s San Juan passenger train on January 31st.
I remember having seen 2 or 3 of these pictures before but never this whole set! I got this link 3rd hand - thanks to Neal Reich and Jerry McKenzie.
Notice that all of the pictures are labeled as having been taken on April 5, 1950. I kind of doubt that they were all taken on that one date for a couple of reasons. Maybe it’s simply that they were filed with the magazine on that date. Notice too that there are a few duplications contained in the 17 pages of photos. They are all copyrighted to TIME Inc. Was the photographer (Wallace Kirkland) employed by LIFE or working freelance?
I found this series of photographs fascinating mostly because it is such an interesting study of the people – the railroaders, the passengers and even the bystanders! (And who in the heck are those other railfan photographers appearing in a couple of the pictures? (Pg. 4, # 8) Can anybody indentify them?)
These pictures may already have been published on this Forum. Nevertheless, I thought it might be interesting to review them in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the San Juan’s demise. Enjoy…
Larry Spencer
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