t
Tall Tales of the Rails
on the Carolina, Clinchfield & Ohio

J.L. Lonon
“…sit back, relax, and let’s begin our trip on the old-fashioned train. We will start at Elkhorn City, Kentucky, and won’t stop until we reach Spartanburg, South Carolina.” This is really a trip back in time, centered around one of the most remarkable railroad lines in the eastern part of the U.S. Making brief commentary about specific locations along the scenic route, Lonon includes some interesting bits of history.
Along with a brief biographical sketch of George L. Carter, there are brief sketches about J. Fred Johnson and John B. Dennis and their association with him in building the railroad. The author shares numerous anecdotes. Some are from his childhood in the Blue Ridge Mountains, through which the train ran; others are from later years, after he began his railroading career.
The latter half of the book is filled with Clinchfield Memorabilia. This is in addition to numerous photographs and illustrations, with one found on almost every page throughout the first part. The author’s love for The Clinchfield is obvious. Thanks in part to this volume, the memory of this phenomenon “…and its great history will be passed on…as one of the great accomplishments in the creation of this great country.”
Published 1989 / 215 pages / 7" ¥ 10"
ISBN: 0-932807-50-X / Hardcover / $19.95