Some more info: the tracks crossing the main at the head end of the train were those of the CK&S, the parallel PRR crossing was in the distance, the code line pole can be seen to the right of the signal mast. There was a second tower, preserved today at the Gilmore Auto Museum in nearby Richland, at the PRR diamond. By this time, BO handled both crossings as noted. The switch and lead on the far right are no more. The ladder to the roof of the tower is gone today, as is the old NYC BO sign, replaced in PC & CR eras by a standard green/blue 'BO' signs, and yes, sadly, the E's too (and for that matter the Turbos,F40PHs,P32-8s!). The CK&S has an interesting history, one of those roads that was never built to completion to Saginaw, MI., or Chicago. However, the 18 miles that is today the CN/GTW Pavillion branch (heading left in this photo) is the surviving remnant of that line, excepting for industrial trackage that exists to the north, the reason the crossing still exists in 2007. Even the searchlight signals seen here exist as seen some 40+ years later, as does the crossbuck on the far right. Great post Nate, thank your Dad for getting this! For a more recent view of the scene looking the other direction, see: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=175498
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Really enjoying these Beal Collection images. Very nice stuff.
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Indeed a nice view of BO in better times. The head end of the train is actually crossing the NYC (LS&MS) track to Grand Rapids. The CK&S crossed behind the photograper mid-way between Harrison and Walbridge. The switch and lead to the far right connected to what had been the CK&S.
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