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The railroad is a very important part of Mineola's rich
heritage. The long-standing "love affair" with the railroad dates back to 1873
when the "iron horses" of the Texas & Pacific (T&P) and the International &
Great Northern (I&GN) railroads first arrived. In fact, local legend relates
that the very name "Mineola" is derived from "Minnie", the daughter of a
railroad president and "Ola", her best friend (you be the judge).
This room, with its pine furnishings, antique iron bed,
and 5-foot claw-foot tub is reminiscent of the days when the engineer and his
crew had to "bunk over" on those long overnight trips. The engineer, of course,
is responsible for the actual operation of the apparatus (the engine) and has to
provide the expertise necessary for everything to function properly -- he was
the "mechanic" and the "driver" in the "old days".
All the memorabilia in this quaint room has been
acquired locally -- not really difficult considering that Mineola is a railroad
town to this day. The "dead man's clutch", the large caboose lamp, and the old
oil can are all relics of the past and each has its own story. The Union Pacific
items are very appropriate since Mineola sits on a major East/West line of the
Union Pacific railroad and is a major "crew change" point.
The black iron bed provides a reflection of those
earlier times.
Stay awhile and enjoy a relaxing ride into the past.
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