Some early history of the NGLS Steam Engine
One of the exciting aspects of our nonprofit organization is the aspect of history. Recently we received some long talked about documentation about our club steam engine. It had been known or rumored to have been built in the late 1940’s and put into service around 1951. At a recent event at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History we received some exciting documentation form a fellow railroad hobbyist with direct connection to the early days of what we now call the club steamer. One of the most exciting was the confirmation of who built the locomotive and who ultimately was the first owner. Back in 1951 a E. K. Cargill, the owner of 41 Drive-In Theatre had been in discussions earlier in the year with the builder of the locomotive Mr. Clyde T. Dempsey to purchase the locomotive, riding cars, track, ticket booth, and more however on August 27, 1951, Mr. Cargill sent a letter to Mr. Dempsey saying he was no longer interested. The great news is Mr. Dempsey had another buyer and on August 28, 1951, the newly built baby steam locomotive and tender, three coaches, track, rails, cross ties, ticket booth, concrete block and wood building, light post, blowers, gates, extra wheels and axles, ticket box, and all equipment and parts pertaining to the miniature railroad were sold to A.C. Crane for a total of $6,500.00. In 2024 dollars that is more than $76,000 for everything.
The next part of the locomotive history then takes us to Grant Park were the locomotive operated in Grant Park which also has a long Atlanta history dating back to 1883. We don’t yet know a lot about its time in Grant Park or what happened after that until 1982 when the Atlanta Historical Society received a donation by Mrs. Elinor K. Crane. After spending some time with the Atlanta Historical Society the locomotive was then donated to North Georgia Live Steamers in the 1990’s where North Georgia Live Steamers has spent years maintaining and operating the locomotive.
If you or someone you know has more details about the locomotive or individuals involved in its early days, please reach out to us and share what information you have so we can continue to preserve the history of this great locomotive.
Please consider making a donation to help us with a major restoration efforts currently being planned.
