It is with great sadness that I learned that long-time friend and noted rail photographer Dave Augsburger passed away yesterday afternoon. I find that as I process the photos that I post here, I think more about the friends that I was with as well as circumstances and incidents that accompanied the outing than I do the train itself. Dave comes to mind frequently. Beside photography, Dave and I shared interests in history of the Lehigh & New England and other anthracite railroads, prewar American Flyer trains, and Pennsylvania Dutch (German) culture and language.
Here, in happier days, Dave and I were out for the day, and had gone in futile search for an infrequent Conrail train that served the cement mill in Evansville, Pennsylvania, With the day coming to a close, we decided to stop by the Wanamaker, Kempton, & Southern in Kempton. Seeing an opportunity, I had the most prolific photographer of the Lehigh & New England pose next to one of the WK&S’ L&NE gondolas.
Dave is now with many of his contemporary friends who have passed in recent years, including Dick Samsel and Neil Shankweiler. I will miss Dave and treasure the many memories of him for years to come.
