Midland RR

This railcar was purchased when the Midland Railroad stock was being sold by a rancher in lower Kaufman County. It was purchased around 1928 to be used a housing for ranch employees. It was used for this purpose until 1975 when the Terrell Heritage Society negotiated with the owner for possession to be used as a tourist attraction. (click on photo for enlarged view)

When the car was brought in, nearly all of Terrell came out to greet it with a parade complete with a marching band! What an event it was! (click on photo for enlarged view)

The trucks (wheels) are not Midland trucks, but are of the type used on passenger cars. These trucks were acquired from the Santa Fe shops in Cleburne, Texas. Prior to being owned by the Midland Railway it was owned by the Texas and New Orleans line and was named the EL PASO – NUMBER 993. It was constructed about 1880 and is one of the few wooden cars remaining the country. These type of cars with rich mahogany panels, silver plated door knobs and escutcheons etc. were commonly referred to as rolling palaces. Late research proves it was one of Col. E. H. R. Green’s (President of Texas Midland RY) private cars and was used for special guest, passenger and staff. The following is an excerpt from S. G. Reed’s: "History of the Texas Railroad".

"Texas Midland Railroad had the most luxurious equipment in Texas......this car is one the first cafe’ lounge cars and observations to be operated in the Southwest. It was part of a through train between St. Louis and Galveston......"

Col. E. H. R. Green was the son of Hetty Green, who was know to be the richest women in the world at the time of her death. He was active in politics in Texas and maintained this voting residence in Texas by leaving a suit of clothes and one of his wooden legs in a rented room in one of fine residences of Terrell. Col. Green also maintained the main offices of the Texas Midland Ry, in Terrell. For more information on Hetty Green "The Witch of Wall Street" -Click Here.

Above photo (exact date unknown) shows Col. E.H.R. Green, President; W.P. Allen, Vice-president; and L.W. Wells, General manager, Texas Midland Railroad. Note the comical gesture made by Col. Green above Mr. Allen's head. (click on photo for enlarged view) It was widely rumored that Col. Green was a rowdy who loved to clown around and have fun- indeed, he fully intended to and did so in an unabashed manner, live up to this legacy.

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