Palatka Railroad Preservation Society

Mainline Report
 
The David Browning Railroad Museum, located adjacent to the waiting room in the train station, is open based on Ride Solutions staffing (typically Mon.–Fri., 9AM–5PM).
 
Quarterly Open House Events with both HO scale model railroads operating have resumed for 2025. They are scheduled for Saturdays in February, May, August, and November. Visit our website for updates.
 
We are seeking model railroaders who are either new to the area or unaware of our existence to partner with us.
 
If you have any interest in railroads, scale model railroads, or local railroad history, we encourage you to contact us and connect with like-minded people.
Contact us via voice mail at (386) 328-0305, or at [email protected]

UPCOMING EVENTS
Calendar Dates

Saturday – Feb. 1st / 9AM-4PM
Sunday –Feb. 2nd / 10AM-3PM
The Villages Model Train Show & Sale
Savannah Recreation Center
1545 N. Buena Vista Blvd. The Villages, Florida
 
Saturday – February 10th 9 AM to 4 PM
Golden Spike TRAIN SHOW                                
Prime Osborn Convention Ctr.   
1000 Water St., Jacksonville               
 
1st Quarter
P.R.P.S. OPEN HOUSE EVENT
David Browning Railroad Museum
HO scale model railroads operating
Saturday, February 15th
10 AM – 2 PM
 
Did You Know?
Numerous businesses and industries were served by rail in Palatka when tracks ran down the center of Laurel, Main, and Dunham Streets. Although the tracks initially ran to the wharves on the riverfront to facilitate water to rail transfer (or vice versa) of passengers and cargo, numerous customers were added on the line, some were even served by sidings or spur tracks.
 
Some of the earliest were:
Vertrees & Co. – Grain wholesalers
Tilghman & Sons – Planning mill
G.M. Davis & Sons – Cypress tanks
Stringfellow & Padgett – Grocery
Squires Lumber –
Merryday Grocery - Wholesalers
Porter Bros. – Saw & planning mill
Gulf Refining – Petroleum distributor
Seldon Cypress Door & Shingle Co.
Wilson Cypress Co.
Florida Wooden Ware
Putnam Handle Mfg.
J.A. Champion – Building Materials
Gem City Milling Co.
Peninsular State Oil Co.
T.J. Barnett Boiler & Machine Works
Standard Oil Co.
Stanton Foundry & Machine Works
Southern Veneer Co.
H.W. Taylor Concrete
Municipal Water Works
County Fairgrounds (on Kirby St.)

HISTORY
auto-train
 
auto-train was a private corporation, formed in 1970, by Eugene K. Garfield. It was chartered to provide a uniquely different passenger rail travel experience by allowing you to take your car with you. As many passenger railroads were curtailing or discontinuing passenger service, the corporation purchased surplus equipment for its train service. New diesel locomotives were purchased from GE. Enclosed auto racks were purchased from Canadian National. All equipment was painted in a distinctive white, red, and purple scheme.
 
The route roughly paralleled I-95 between Sanford, Florida and Lorton Virginia (south of Washington, DC). It utilized leased tracks of the Atlantic Coast Line (later Seaboard Coast Line) and Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac railroads. Initial service began in December of 1971. auto-train consists passed through Palatka daily. With no stops en route, except for refueling and an engine crew changes, the trip only took 15 1/2 hours.
 
The service was first class with passengers traveling in luxurious coach-lounge cars and sleepers. Complimentary meals were provided in dining cars, entertainment provided in the nightclub car, while the automobiles were transported in fully enclosed car carriers.
 
Due to initial success of the service, it was decided to add another route. The added route would operate between Sanford and Louisville, Kentucky. Service began in 1974, but was discontinued in 1977. The second route was discontinued due to: the cost of adding the route, which was not as strong of a market, and inadequate revenue to cover operating costs. That did not save auto-train from filing bankruptcy. It continued to provide its unique service on the initial route until April of 1981.
 
Amtrak revived the concept in late 1983. It initially used surplus Amtrak passenger equipment and 2nd hand auto-train auto racks. Superliner passenger equipment was added in the 1990s. Their auto racks currently carry cars. vans, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and even small campers and boats.  After operating its Auto Train for more than forty years, it is one of Amtrak’s highest revenue routes.

New MUSEUM ACQUISITIONS
This section usually acknowledges our most recent acquisitions. As part of our stated purpose to preserve the heritage of the rail history of Palatka and surroundings, we are seeking photographs (or copies) of:                         

• Trains ‘street-running’ on Main and Laurel
  
• Rail yard & maintenance facilities in Palatka
  
• Old train depots throughout Putnam County
• Other historical rail photos from the 1900s
  

Mainline Report
 
Now that the train station has re-opened for the public’s use and the parking lot construction has been completed, P.R.P.S. has begun resuming activities. The museum is open based on Ride Solutions staffing (typically Mon.–Fri., 9AM–5PM).  We hope to announce other activities soon.
 
Our activities require members and volunteers to be available on select days/times to operate the layouts and greet guests.  If you have any interest in railroads, history, or model railroading, we invite you to partner with like-minded people. Even if you can only spare a few hours each month, we still encourage your involvement.  
 
Check our website for future updates or contact us via email:                                          [email protected]
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Calendar Dates
Saturday – May 13th – 9:30 to 11:00 AM
Members O.H. Preparation
 
Saturday – May 13th – 11 AM to 3 PM 
National Train Day - OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday – May 16th – 5:30 to 6:30PM
OPERATIONS NIGHT (Tentative)

Saturday – May 27th
Ocala Model RRs Historic Pres. Soc.  1247 NE 3rd St., Ocala   OPEN HOUSE - 10 AM to 3 PM
 
Saturday – June 10th
LIONS CLUB TRAIN SHOW    1908 E. Ft. King St., Ocala                         9 AM to 2 PM
 
Did You Know?
UNITED STATES RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
 
By 1914, war had broken out in Europe. Unable to broker a peace, America finally declared war on Germany in April of 1917.
 
Before the end of the year, President Woodrow Wilson established the United States Railroad Administration in the interest of national defense. As a war measure it took control of 385 major American railroads as well as other carriers and communication companies.
 
The U.S.R.A. centralized operations and consolidated many functions. It developed “standard” designs for steam locomotives to meet the anticipated increased needs of the railroads to support the war effort. ”. Most railroad employees were exempt from military service because they were needed to operate the railroads.
 
The Railway Administration Act of 1918 “guaranteed” railroads to be returned to private control in “at least as good condition as when they were taken over
 
By March of 1920 when railroads returned to private control, many lines were simply worn out. Within three years most lines had received their final cash compensation from the government, and were able to begin rebuilding.     
 
NEW MUSEUM  ACQUISITIONS

We are still seeking photos (or copies) as part of our purpose to preserve the heritage of the rail history of Palatka and surrounding areas.
We are interested in: trains ‘street-running’ on Main & Laurel; rail yard & maintenance facilities in Palatka: train depots throughout Putnam County; any area historical rail photos.
 
HISTORY
 
An interstate line:
Georgia Southern & Florida Railway –“Suwanee River Route”
 
Originally chartered in 1881 in Georgia with a planned route from Macon, GA to Florida’s state line, it eventually crossed into Florida reaching Palatka in March of 1890. Crossing the Suwanee River near White Springs, Florida, it was promoted as the “Suwanee River Route”.
. 
Apparently the organizers ‘woke up’ when a rival company organized for essentially the same purpose. In 1886, ‘movers and shakers’ in the Gem City sought to have the terminus of the line at Palatka’s waterfront. After the two rival companies consolidated in 1887, construction finally began at Macon with maps indicating Palatka as the southern terminus of the line.
 
It was published that through trains would be operating into Palatka by fall of 1888, despite the fact that only fifteen miles of rail had been laid in Georgia. Apparently newspaper editors knew nothing about rail construction. Although the city was ‘on board’ with another railroad entering Palatka, Florida Southern and Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West initially put up “considerable opposition”.
 
The 285-mile line to Palatka officially opened March 21, 1890, when the first southbound passenger train departed from Macon, GA. One hundred eighteen miles of the interstate line was located in Florida with remainder in Georgia. The route was never extended to the west coast of Florida as originally proposed. Within a year the line went into receivership, but remained in operation. In 1895 it was sold and reorganized with a minor name change – ‘Railroad’ became ‘Railway’.  
 
In the 1900s it came under control of Southern Railway, and ultimately was consolidated with Southern Railway.

Mainline Report
Members clear your calendars for our upcoming RailFest, October 26th, Saturday. Invite former members, as well as family and friends to assist us as volunteers during RailFest. We can use them as greeters in the museum or in front of Railrodeo. Even if they are only available for an hour or two, it would be helpful. Workdays will be scheduled during September to get things ready in the museum and on the layouts.
Remember, there are extended hours for members and guests on the fourth Tuesdays until 7:30 PM. This is for the convenience of those who get off work latter and for out of town members.
Check our website for future updates.
Also note our new email: [email protected]

UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday – July 7th – CLOSED
Saturday – July 20th – 1 PM to 4 PM
OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday – July 16th – 5:30 to 6:30PM
INFORMAL OPERATIONS
Tuesday – July 23rd – 5:30 to 7:30PM
Extended hours for members
Sunday – August 4th – 1 PM to 4 PM
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday – August 17th – CLOSED
VILLAGES TRAIN SHOW - 9 AM to 4 PM
Tuesday – August 20th – 5:30 to 6:30PM
INFORMAL OPERATIONS
Tuesday – August 27th – 5:30 to 7:30PM
Extended hours for members
Sunday – September 1st – CLOSED
Saturday – September 21st – 1 to 4 PM
OPEN HOUSE

Did You Know?
RAILROAD “STANDARD” TIME
Timekeeping on the earliest American railroads was based on local time, or “mean solar” time. Since the early rail lines were initially short, it was adequate. As mileage increased and connections with other lines were made, this “hodgepodge” of times became a cause for concern.
Each railroad initially came up with its own solution. The solutions varied from using the local time at the line‟s headquarters or at its most important terminus, to having multiple time zones over the length of the line. Telegraph offices along the lines would receive periodic time signals.
Railroad managers recognized the need for a standard time system. Confusion in their schedules could be minimized. Most early rail lines operated on time schedules, so uniformity in time was essential for safe and efficient operation.
Wm. F. Allen, editor of the Traveler's Official Railway Guide, was selected as Secretary of the General Time Convention (established by the railroads). He proposed five “standard” time zones. When the proposal was adopted, it superseded 49 different operating times in the U.S. and Canada. “Railway Standard Time” went into effect on November 18, 1883.

HISTORY
A CSX Predecessor:
Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West Railway – “Gem City Route”
Chartered in 1881 with a planned route from Jacksonville to Tampa, and then to Charlotte Harbor where steamships would disembark for Key West. Construction began in Jacksonville in March of 1883, and the line was completed to Palatka one year later.

South of Palatka the line acquired Palatka & Indian River Rwy. right of way south crossing the St. Johns River at Buffalo Bluff. The line bypassed Crescent City due to residents‟ concerns about noise. The line was not complete to Sanford until early 1886.
Tampa was reached by changing trains at Sanford to the previously constructed South Florida Railroad. Thus Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West did not build south of Sanford. Steamship connections to Key West were made at Tampa, not Charlotte Harbor.
By 1893, the line went into receivership. For the next few years it was operated in conjunction with several connecting lines under the moniker “The Tropical Trunk Line”. The Plant Investment Co. acquired it in 1899, reincorporated it as Jackson-ville & St. Johns River Railroad, and operated it as a division of the Savannah, Florida & Western.
After Henry Plant‟s death, it was acquired by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1902. The A.C.L. became Seaboard Cost Line in 1967, morphed into the Family Lines System around 1971, becoming Seaboard System in 1982.
Seaboard System became CSX Transportation in 1986. Today‟s CSX route through Palatka is called the “A” line and uses the same right of way as the original Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West.

NEW MUSEUM ACQUISITIONS
We are still seeking photos (or copies) as part of our purpose to preserve the heritage of the rail history of Palatka and surrounding areas.
We are interested in: trains „street-running‟ on Main & Laurel; rail yard & maintenance facilities in Palatka: train depots
throughout Putnam County; any historical rail photos.

Mainline Report
Thanks to the members who volunteer on Open House days and for the special tours. A special thanks to one of our newest members, Larry Dipianta, who put on a HO locomotive servicing clinic, and serviced many our Railrodeo locos.
Members, please note there are no Monday activities on the calendar. There will be extended hours for members and guests on the fourth Tuesdays until 7:30 PM. [See Upcoming Events]
Be sure to note that we will not having any Open Houses during April.
Check our website for future updates.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday – April 1st – EASTER
No Open House
Tuesday – April 3rd – 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Work Night
Tuesday – April 10th – 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Work Night
Saturday – April 14th – 9 AM to 4 PM
DELAND TRAIN SHOW
Tuesday – April 17th – 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Board Meeting
Saturday – April 21st
CLOSED – Callahan RR Days
Tuesday – April 24th – 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Members Meeting
Tuesday – May 1st – 5:30 PM
Board Meeting

Did You Know?
Union Station - Palatka
Palatka’s train station is 110 years old. Designed by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company, it initially served Atlantic Coast Line and Florida East Coast passenger trains.
During the mid-1940s, Florida East Coast passenger service to and from East Palatka was discontinued. Mixed train passenger service on the Atlantic Coast Line to and from Gainesville was also discontinued.
During the 1960s the station began handling LCL freight, as well as passengers. Atlantic Coast Line became Seaboard Coast Line in 1967 and decided to exit the passenger business in 1971.
After a five year absence, passenger service was resumed on a trial basis. Amtrak made Palatka a permanent station stop in 1979.

HISTORY
Palatka & Heights Street Railway:
Palatka’s “Rapid Transit”
As early as 1884 two companies filed for a franchise to operate a street railway in Palatka. Nothing happened as the city leaders attempted to pass a street railway ordinance. Three years later the city finally passed the ordinance and in 1888 they issued a charter for the Palatka & Heights Street Railway Company.

A mile of three-foot gauge track laid in the center of the streets was open for operation in January of 1889. Two years later the route length had increased to two miles. Motive power for the two streetcars was ‘mule’ power.
By the turn of the Century, the line proceeded across the Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West main line and up the hill to Palatka Heights. The route distance was four miles with plans for further extensions. At the 1902 directors meeting, the president stated that “… he had just secured additional motive power for the line in a new and perfectly reliable five-year-old mule.”
Palatka’s largest hotel being vacant for a few years due to a significant decline in tourism cut into the profitability of the line and it was reportedly up for sale in 1903. The City planned to have the streetcar tracks removed to install storm sewers along the streets. This was to be followed by paving the streets, further impacting the line.
By the end of 1905, after numerous meetings with the City and proposals followed by revised proposals by the streetcar company, no agreement could be reached and the existing franchise being cancelled, operations ceased. In March of 1906, the tracks and equipment were removed.

NEW MUSEUM ACQUISITIONS
Usually this section acknowledges our most recent acquisitions.
However we are seeking photos or copies as part of our purpose to preserve the heritage of the rail history of Palatka and surrounding areas.
We are interested in any of the following:
Trains ‘street-running’ on Main & Laurel
Rail yard & maintenance facilities in Palatka
Old train depots throughout Putnam County
Other historical rail photos from the 1900s
We are also interested in Railway Post Office cancellations of the following RPOs:
ACL Palatka & Rochelle
GS&F “Val. & Pal.”
FEC “Jack & Ft. Pierce”

Mainline Report
Thanks to the members who volunteer on Open House days and for the special tours. A special thanks to one our newest members, Larry Dipianta, who put on a HO locomotive servicing clinic, and serviced many our Railrodeo locos.
Members, please note that there are no Monday activities on the calendar. There will be extended hours for members and guests on the fourth Tuesdays, until 7:30 PM. [See Upcoming Events]
Be sure to note that we will not be having an Open House on Saturday, April 21st.
Check our website for future updates.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday – March 27th – 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Members Meeting
Sunday – April 1st
No Open House!
Tuesday – April 3rd – 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Work Night
Tuesday – April 10th – 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Work Night
Saturday – April 14th – 9 AM to 4 PM
DELAND TRAIN SHOW
Tuesday – April 17th – 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Board Meeting
Saturday – April 21st
CLOSED – Callahan RR Days
Tuesday – April 24th – 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Members Meeting
Tuesday – May 1st – 5:30 PM
Board Meeting

Did You Know?
Union Station - Palatka
Palatka’s train station is 110 years old. Designed by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company, it initially served Atlantic Coast Line and Florida East Coast passenger trains.
During the mid-1940s, Florida East Coast passenger service to and from East Palatka was discontinued. Mixed train passenger service on the Atlantic Coast Line to and from Gainesville was also discontinued.
During the 1960s the station began handling LCL freight, as well as passengers. Atlantic Coast Line became Seaboard Coast Line in 1967 and decided to exit the passenger business in 1971.
After a five year absence, passenger service was resumed on a trial basis. Amtrak made Palatka a permanent station stop in 1979.

History
Palatka & Heights Street Railway:
Palatka’s “Rapid Transit”
As early as 1884 two companies filed for a franchise to operate a street railway in Palatka. Nothing happened as the city leaders attempted to pass a street railway ordinance. Three years later the city finally passed the ordinance and in 1888 they issued a charter for the Palatka & Heights Street Railway Company.

A mile of three-foot gauge track laid in the center of the streets was open for operation in January of 1889. Two years later the route length had increased to two miles. Motive power for the two streetcars was ‘mule’ power.
By the turn of the Century, the line proceeded across the Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West main line and up the hill to Palatka Heights. The route distance was four miles with plans for further extensions. At the 1902 directors meeting, the president stated that “… he had just secured additional motive power for the line in a new and perfectly reliable five-year-old mule.”
Palatka’s largest hotel being vacant for a few years due to a significant decline in tourism cut into the profitability of the line and it was reportedly up for sale in 1903. The City planned to have the streetcar tracks removed to install storm sewers along the streets. This was to be followed by paving the streets, further impacting the line.
By the end of 1905, after numerous meetings with the City and proposals followed by revised proposals by the streetcar company, no agreement could be reached and the existing franchise being cancelled, operations ceased. In March of 1906, the tracks and equipment were removed.

New Museum Acquisitions

Usually this section usually acknowledges our most recent acquisitions.
However we are seeking photos or copies as part of our purpose to preserve the heritage of the rail history of Palatka and surrounding areas.
We are interested in any of the following:
Trains ‘street-running’ on Main & Laurel
Rail yard & maintenance facilities in Palatka
Old train depots throughout Putnam County
Other historical rail photos from the 1900s
We are also interested in Railway Post Office cancellations of the following RPOs:
ACL Palatka & Rochelle
GS&F “Val. & Pal.”
FEC “Jack & Ft. Pierce”

Mainline Report

  I want to thank all members who volunteer on Open House days. Also, I want to thank Jerry and Howard for building the rolling stock storage cabinet. It has been filled with surplus engines and cars from the layout.

Members, be sure to clear your calendars for our upcoming RailFest, October 10th - Saturday ONLY. It will be here sooner than you think. We still have many things to accomplish before then – layout work, labeling exhibits, reorganizing and storing items, cleaning museum displays & floors. We will need to start doing these on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Please invite family and friends to assist us as volunteers during the RailFest. We can use them as greeters in the museum or in front of Railrodeo. Even if they are only available for an hour, it would be helpful.

Check our website for future updates.  

Marvis Champion, President

UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday – June 23rd – 7 to 8 PM
Model RR Clinic

Sunday – July 5th
CLOSED

Saturday – July 18th – 1 to 4 PM
PRPS Open House

Tuesday – July 21st – 6:30PM
Board Meeting

Tuesday – July 28th – 7 to 8 PM
Business Meeting

Sunday – August 2nd – 1 to 4 PM
PRPS Open House

Tuesday – August 13th – 6:30 PM
Board Meeting

Saturday - August 15th – 1 to 4 PM
PRPS Open House

Tuesday – August 25th – 7 to 8 PM
Program – Georgia Southern & Florida

Did You Know?
Numerous railway stations have served Putnam County through the years. Several were located in Palatka. Whether called a depot, a station or terminal, they all served the same purposes – places where passengers embarked or disembarked, and places where express shipments and freight were loaded or unloaded.

Within Palatka: Florida Southern; Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West; and Georgia Southern & Florida had stations in the late 1880s. These gave way to new brick stations for Atlantic Coast Line/Florida East Coast and Georgia Southern & Florida by 1908.

The north-south route through the county (Jacksonville, Tampa & Key West/Atlantic Coast Line) had stations at West Tocoi, Bostwick, Sisco, Pomona, Lake Como, and Crescent City Junction.

On the Florida Southern route west of Palatka, several communities had stations. At Francis, Hollister, Interlachen, Edgar, and Johnson, frame structures served the freight and passenger needs.

On the Georgia Southern & Florida, stations were located at Carraway, Florahome, Grandin, and Putnam Hall. East of the St. Johns River, stations were at Orange Mills, East Palatka, San Mateo, and Yelvington.

HISTORY
Florida Southern Railway:
The Orange Belt Route
“Palatka’s First Railway”

The first railroad to begin construction in Palatka was the Gainesville, Ocala and Charlotte Harbor. Although incorporated in 1876, it wasn’t organized until 1879. Palatka’s city council passed an ordinance allowing for trackage right of way over Main St. and a riverfront wharf. The ordinance included $10,000 in bonds to construct the wharf.

By the time construction began in 1881, the name was changed to Florida Southern Railway. The line was to be constructed as a narrow gauge (3ft.) line.

The first timetable was issued on October 16, 1881. Stops between Palatka and Gainesville were: Francis; Brittians; McWilliams, near Hollister; Blue Pond (later renamed Interlachen); John (now called Johnson); McMeekin; Wait’s Crossing (Hawthorne); Magnesia Springs, near Grove Park; Perry Junction (listed on some early RR maps as Gruelle & now known as Rochelle); and Tarver. The 49-mile train trip to Gainesville took 3-1/2 hours.

By December of 1881, the line was completed to Ocala with construction in a southerly direction from Perry Jct. The route distance was increased to 82 miles. Among the settlements along the route were cotton, citrus, general farming and saw mills.

The Florida Southern Headquarters were located in Palatka adjacent to their riverfront wharf. They also had extensive shop facilities here – roundhouse, foundry, blacksmith shop, paint shop, and wood working shop with a planning mill.

By the summer of 1886, the line consisted of approximately 300 miles of rail. It ran from Palatka on the St. Johns River to Punta Gorda on the Gulf.

It was acquired by the Atlantic Coast Line in 1903 and formed the nucleus of ACL’s west coast route in Florida. Most of the original line in our area has been since abandoned. Only a portion between Interlachen and Hawthorne is in service today, operated by CSX.

New Museum Acquisitions
This section usually acknowledges our most recent acquisitions.

However we are seeking additional photos as part of our purpose to preserve the heritage of the rail history of Palatka and surrounding.

We are interested in any of the following:
      Trains ‘street-running’ on Main & Laurel
      Rail yard & maintenance facilities in Palatka
      Old train depots throughout Putnam County
      Other historical rail photos from the 1900s