It might be an understatement to say residents of La Plata County and San Juan County, Colorado, were shocked and distressed with the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad’s December 1959 announcement seeking abandonment of the Durango to Silverton line. The moneymaking tourism venture just didn’t meet the company’s mission or goals. This group of Durango businessmen formed the Durango-Silverton Railroad Co. They met in front of Engine 315, then on display at Brookside Park in Durango, in November 1960 to formally sign an agreement with the D&RGW to purchase the railroad for $250,000 should the abandonment be approved. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission denied the railroad’s request in 1961. On appeal, the Interstate Commerce Commission also refused the request in 1962. The businessmen were happy to get their escrow funds returned when the D&RGW was mandated to continue operating the line. The men in this color photo are a veritable “Who’s Who” of Durango leaders in the 1950s and 60s. Emil Arndt and Pinky Driever are seated. Standing (left to right) are Tommy Hatfield, Nick Turner, Earl Barker, Jack Brinkerhoff, John Hill, Oswen Hillyer and John Peters. – Ed Horvat for Animas Museum, edhorvat@animasmuseum.org (Catalog Number: 05.41.1 from the La Plata County Historical Society Photo Collections)
