BADGER HISTORY GROUP TALK

The History and Development of South-Central Wisconsin’s Railroads, with Notes on Badger Plant Railways by Frank Wolf

Presented by Scott Lothes.
Railroads played a tremendous role in building Madison and south-central Wisconsin, and they continue to play a critical role in the regional economy. Nine different railroad lines radiated out of Madison, seven of which remain today. This presentation looks at how they came to be, how they have been used, and how and why they have changed over the past 165 years. Illustrations come from the Wisconsin Historical Society and the archives of the Center for Railroad Photography & Art (CRP&A), including the collection of CRP&A founder John Gruber, who grew up in Prairie du Sac and lived in Madison. We will also hear from stalwart Badger historian Frank Wolf, who will discuss standard and narrow gauge railroads at the Plant, with the help of archival photos.

Scott Lothes is president and executive director of the Madison-based Center for Railroad Photography & Art (www.railphoto-art.org) and serves as editor of its quarterly journal, Railroad Heritage. His writing and photographs appear frequently in Trains, Classic Trains, Railfan & Railroad, and he has contributed to seven books of railroad photography.

Frank Wolf is a 56-year veteran of the energetic material industry. He was a chemical engineer and Chief Modernization Engineer at Badger for 31 years.

This is an in-person and Zoom event. In the museum masks are optional. Seating is limited for museum and zoom so registration is recommended. Click here for the zoom link and to register, or call the museum at 608-448-0244 and please specify for museum or zoom, your name, and number in your group.