Hi, There is a classic photo from the mid-1950's of the GNRY Empire Builder eastbound from Maria's pass near East Glacier Park, that I've seen numerous times on various websites (for example http://ptatransitauthority.blogspot.com/2009/10/great-northern-railway.html). I even have a couple of old post cards that display the scene. While on vacation in Glacier Park last week, I tried unsuccessfully to find the location the photo was taken from. I was able to match the approximate area, Hwy 2 and Heart Butte Cutoff, which matches the view of the mountains in the background of the photo, but I couldn't find any section of track and landscape that matched the sweeping curve the train is on. I've also tried using Google Earth to find the spot, but, again, I can't find any track and topography that matches. Does anyone know where the photo was taken from? Thanks, RB
It is between Bison and East Glacier, exactly where you placed it. The mountains definitely match a photo of mine taken just last year, while waiting to photo a westward freight at Bison. Might seem a bit different simply as the card view was grabbed 50 and more years ago. The bottom one looks like in the area west side of Marias Pass, west of Summit. You're in MT?
I felt like it had to be there. The tracks make a nice sweeping curve there today, but whereas the photo seems to show flat ground on the north side of the tracks, there is actually a hill, that doesn't fit the photo. Yes, we're down in Gallatin County. RB
Hmmm. Well, am hoping later this summer to make a brief trek across the Pass and might at that time see if I can find the spot. Might just be as simple as the camera positioning versus view from the train. I'm in the Flathead.
I'll be interesting to hear your perspective on what you see. Whether you find it or not, it sure is a pretty drive. One of these days, we want to take the Amtrak between East & West Glacier, just to see the view. Do you know if the screwy winter and spring weather we had is going to affect the cherry harvest this year? RB
RB, they didn't have Photoshop in the 50's, but the ad agencies employed very talented airbrush artists. I suspect that may be the case here, especially since they're advertising postcards. What you see in the postcard images may not have been on the original negatives from the scenes.
Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen a really clear version of that photo. If the image was doctored, the artist was REALLY good. Interesting thought, though. RB
I heard some reports, but did not pay close attention. They seemed to indicate there were orchards indeed damaged. Both up this way and also down in Ravalli County as well. Maybe there was something in the Missoulian or cehck an extension service for the county of interest. Maybe even the U of M?
