Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas

Michael Hibblen

A program delving into the history of the Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas, the stories of its employees and operations. For nearly 80 years, the Rock Island was one of the major railroads in the state transporting passengers and freight. The bankrupt railroad was abruptly shut down in 1980, but its legacy continues. read less

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Episode 2: Preserving the Perry Depot

Episode 2: Preserving the Perry Depot

After learning in 2017 the Rock Island depot in Perry, Arkansas was slated to be torn down, a campaign was launched to move it to an adjacent lot — still alongside the track — and begin work to preserve it. The structure, built in 1918, was important logistically for the railroad as part of the line that ran from Memphis, Tennessee to Tucumcari, New Mexico. This episode features interviews with Buford Suffridge, who has been leading the project, and Danny Majors, the son of longtime Depot Agent Joe Mayors.

Episodes

Episode 2: Preserving the Perry Depot

Episode 2: Preserving the Perry Depot

After learning in 2017 the Rock Island depot in Perry, Arkansas was slated to be torn down, a campaign was launched to move it to an adjacent lot — still alongside the track — and begin work to preserve it. The structure, built in 1918, was important logistically for the railroad as part of the line that ran from Memphis, Tennessee to Tucumcari, New Mexico. This episode features interviews with Buford Suffridge, who has been leading the project, and Danny Majors, the son of longtime Depot Agent Joe Mayors.

Episode 1: Reunions of Former Employees, L.T. Walker

Episode 1: Reunions of Former Employees, L.T. Walker

Decades after the Rock Island Railroad was shut down by a bankruptcy judge in 1980, former employees in Arkansas continue getting together for annual reunions. Unlike many railroads, they say the Rock Island was a family operation. They share stories, get caught up on what's happening with one another, and pay tribute to employees who have died since their previous gathering. On this episode, we'll hear from participants of a 2017 reunion, and hear highlights from a 1988 interview I recorded with former conductor Leonard Tillman Walker, who helped start these reunions after the railroad was no more.