The fall meeting of the Central of Georgia Railway Historical Society, Inc., has been scheduled for Friday through Sunday, October 10-12, 2008, in Savannah, Georgia. We'll have a tour of the railroad operations of the Georgia Ports Authority on Friday afternoon, followed by an informal gathering on Friday night (members are encouraged to bring their favorite CofGa models, photographs, and other memorabilia). On Saturday, we'll visit the former Central of Georgia Hospital as well as several other CofGa-related sites in the Savannah area (details are still being finalized).
There will be a business meeting Saturday night (elections for Board of Directors will be held then), followed by a presentation on train operations on the Savannah Division (1950s-1990s). The Society's train show tables will be set up in the meeting room both nights.
Sunday will be our traditional workday at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum.
Friday, October 10
3:00 p.m.
Meet at Holiday Inn Express for transportation to Georgia Ports Authority (Note: Due to security regulations, you must register in advance for this tour. A photo lD will be required for entrance to the GPA.)
6:30 p.m.
CofGa model, photograph, and memorabilia displays (Holiday Inn Express meeting room
Saturday, October 11
8:30 a.m.
Late registration at Holiday Inn Express
9:00 a.m.
Depart for tours (CofGa Hospital, etc.)
12:00 a.m.
Lunch
4:00 p.m.
Return to Port Wentworth (supper as desired)
7:00 p.m.
Business meeting, presentation on train operations on the Savannah Division (Holiday Inn Express meeting room)
Sunday, October 12
9:00 a.m.
Work session at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum (tentative project is stenciling CofGa 2-8-0 No. 223)
(Note that this tentative schedule is subject to change.)
Registration for the weekend's events is $20.00 per person. This includes the displays and programs both nights and bus/van transportation on Saturday. Those planning to attend should register by sending your name, address, and number of registrations desired (include individual names for name tags) to secretary/treasurer Eddie Shaw at the address at left. Please indicate if you plan to go on the Georgia Ports Authority tour on Friday!
Payment can be made by check or money order (payable to CGRHS) or online at www.cofg.org (using PayPal). Early registration is recommended and required for the Georgia Ports Authority tour on Friday.
The Friday and Saturday evening events will be held at the Holiday Inn Express, 7210 Highway 21, Port Wentworth, Georgia 31407 (telephone: 912- 964-8900). Please mention the group code "CRH" to receive the $89.00 nightly rate. Motel reservations should be made before September 10, 2008.
If you have questions, please contact Society president Allen Tuten (allen@ cofg.org or telephone: 615-746-4080).
During the latter months of 1957 a noticeable slackening in the level of business activity became apparent. These changes, while not as pronounced in the southeast, have had their effects upon the movement of traffic. The indications are that these conditions will be projected into the new year, possibly through the first half of 1958.
The changing economic conditions and continuing increased competition from other modes of transportation have served to emphasize the need from more vigorous activity by our sales and service organizations. While our volume of business has been affected by these factors, comparison of our railroad's position with that of other southeastern railroads and with the national average, demonstrates the effectiveness of the extreme efforts made during the year to meet these challenges.
Competition of other forms of transportation and the needs of industry for adjustments in rates in the ever-changing business cycle, demanded alertness by all in this department, particularly those vested with responsibility for the establishment of rates and charges. We feel that the handling of rate matters in a realistic and aggressive manner has protected the best interests of our railroad and developed much traffic that we otherwise would not have handled.
The ever increasing costs of operation brought about continued necessity for increases in freight rates and charges. In the Ex Parte 206 proceedings, the Interstate Commerce Commission approved an increase of five percent generally in freight rates and charges applying on interterritorial traffic from and to southern territory Subsequently, in the same proceeding, the Commission approved an increase of five percent generally, subject to certain exceptions and hold downs, for application within southern territory.
In a later phase the same proceeding, the previously-authorized increase of of five per cent was changed to nine per cent, subject again to certain exceptions and hold-downs. For competitive reasons the increases approved on many commodity were not made applicable. The Georgia Public Service Commission authorized a five per cent increase in Ex Parte 206, with exceptions, for application on Georgia intrastate traffic. A hearing has been held before that Commission for authority to observe an increase of nine per cent, with certain exceptions and hold-downs.
During the year we actively participated in numerous proceeding before the Interstate Commerce Commission and the state commissions. These proceedings involved many issues, including rail versus motor-carrier rates, switching, restricted routing, and general increases in freight rates and charges. Of extreme importance to our railway is the restrictive routing policy of some of the larger railroads which would eliminate numerous routes over which we have heretofore participated. These have been vigorously protested by us, and we have, in many instances, effectively opposed these matters.
The program of visitation with traffic agencies has been continued throughout the year, as has the practice of holding regional staff conferences and the annual general staff conference at Savannah in December. These have provided a medium of better understanding of the problems of our sales and service forces, and have been the means of more effectively coordinating their efforts toward the securing of new business for our railroad.
On March 1, 1957, a new sales and service agency was opened at Louisville, Ky.
Notwithstanding conflicting reports as to the traffic potential for the new year, the reports submitted by those attending the general staff conference at Savannah in December were, for the most part, optimistic. It is generally conceded by all that there would be a continued slight decline in the traffic potential, but it was felt that with renewed efforts and a fixed determination to increase our business these difficulties could be overcome.
We acknowledge with grateful appreciation the splendid cooperation and assistance we have received from all other departments of our railroad during the year 1957.
1958. Traffic Department. Central of Georgia Magazine, 48:01 p. 5-6.
This is one of the new hopper cars the Central of Georgia purchased in 1957 for use in transporting iron ore from the mines of Alabama. The Central sees an increased production of this ore for 1958.
1958. Traffic Department. Central of Georgia Magazine, 48:01 p. 5.
During the latter months of 1957 a noticeable slackening in the level of business activity became apparent. These changes, while not as pronounced in the southeast, have had their effects upon the movement of traffic. The indications are that these conditions will be projected into the new year, possibly through the first half of 1958.
