The Panola Watchman

     Passenger trains 201 South and 202 North made their last run on the Santa Fe Tuesday after daily trips dating back to mid-1914.  The service was suspended following an order by the Texas Railroad Commission  Jan. 18 granting the railroad’s request to be allowed to cancel the trains because of loss of revenue.  Chambers of Commerce along the road had opposed the stoppage at a public hearing held in Center in November with representatives of the Commission. 

     Station Agent F.A. Dulaney was notified by official order Thursday of the cancellation.

     A number of local people met the train Tuesday morning and pictures, both still shots and movies, were made.  The train crew for the last run included Conductor E.J. Wilson, Engineman Jack Hill, and Brakeman Odis Alexander.  Mr. Hill, oldest member ofthe crew in point of service has been an employee of the company since March 14, 1918 and was

promoted to engineer March 28, 1927. It was a rather sentimental occasion, as Carthage seems to be the first station along the line to note the event.

Heavy Passenger Traffic

     Mr. Dulaney stated that ticket sales on the north bound Tuesday were the heaviest in many months. Thirty passengers boarded the train for the last ride.

George Rowland Makes Last Mail Run

     The last train run was also the occasion for another last event.  George Rowland, who has transferred the mail from trains 201 and 202 to the post office since 1916 except for about 18 months during World War I, ended his service to the Post Office Department.  George began with a mail hack and team until the Model T era.  But for the past forty years, rain or shine, sleet or snow, George has met the trains for the Carthage mail.

Efforts to Keep Trains Prove Futile

     Delegations from Carthage, Beckville, Gary and other places served by the railroad, attended a hearing before the Railroad Commission in Center last November in an effort to stay action on the Santa Fe’s plea for suspension of service, but the company’s case pleading loss of revenue, stood up.  The principal issue was suspension of mail service, which the local groups saw as a serious handicap.

Express by Truck

     All equipment for the passenger offices will be shipped to a central location by deadhead freight, Mr. Dulaney said, and express will probably be dispatched by Santa Fe truck.