I'm suprised no one else heard this.
Last weekend Vera Alcon passed away. Vera was the owner of one Chama's most popular eateries "Vera's Mexican Kitchen" - later "Viva Vera's"
Years ago Vera ran the railroad beanery in the cafe just across from the roundhouse. The last I was there the cafe was still in business. It was known as the Whistle Stop and Iron Skillet for a while. That cool John Kraus pic of the engines through the cafe window was taken when Vera ran the place.
Vera had an arrangement with the D&RGW to be open 24/7 or at least be open when a train hit town or a crew was about to go on duty.
All the old Grande heads knew Vera. Once I had dinner with Eldon Morgan at Vera's place. When she saw Eldon, she came over to our table. It was like old home week. They hadn't seen each other in nearly 20 years yet immadiately recognized each other. It was a cool moment.
We'll miss her.