J. Craig Thorpe (American, B. 1948) "Washington Locomotive" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Paper.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting is the original which appeared on the Fleetwood Legendary Locomotives of the 50 States Vermont Commemorative Cover postmarked December 23, 1994.
After acquiring several smaller lines in December of 1901, the Rutland Railroad extended from Chatham, New York, through Rutland and Burlington, Vermont, and on to Ogdensburg, New York. The Rutland also connected with routes to Boston, New York and Montreal, providing vital transportation for the people and products of western Vermont. One such product, milk, proved to be this rural carrier's most important cargo. In 1909, a daily milk train ran the entire length of the road from Ogdensburg to Chatham. Cars were gathered all along the route, and it wasn't unusual to see a doubleheader pull 40 milk cars into Rutland. From there a portion was dispatched over the hill to Bellows Falls and on to Boston, but the majority continued to Chatham to be turned over to the New York Central. Because of growing demand and rising prices, times were good for the dairy farms of Vermont and northern New York and they rapidly expanded their production. By 1923, Rutland's milk traffic alone brought in more than $1 million, and largely accounted for its $5 million credit balance. Not surprisingly, milk manifests had priority over everything on the Rutland. But over the years, labor disputes, federal regulations, as well as competition from semi-trucks took their toll, and in 1961 all service ended on the Rutland. The 4-6-0 engine featured on this artwork was built by the American Locomotive Company in 1910.
Image Size: 14 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 18 x 15 in.
Unframed.
(B14913)
Condition
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