Post by Eric Standridge on Oct 20, 2011 8:40:34 GMT -6
This is a rough draft of the introduction into Chapter 2. The chapter begins with a historically accurate fictional description of Poteau Switch and leads into the first sub-chapter, "Life in a Frontier Town". As this is a rough draft, it still requires editing before it can be marked as complete.
Chapter 2: Poteau Switch; The Early Years
The No. 2 passenger train rolled in from Ft. Smith at precisely 1:39 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. The air brakes clamped hard on the wheels and the train slowly screeched to a halt. Curious onlookers watched as passengers step off the train and on to the wood-planked platform. Dust billows up along Railroad Avenue and then quickly dissipates, revealing a score of newly built businesses.
Across the street, a horse-drawn hack rumbles down Beard Avenue towards the train as passengers begin making the way across the tracks and into town. Most will stay at the newly established Fleener Hotel for the night, while others headed towards Cavanal stop only to rest their weary backs. The train only stops for fifteen minutes to take on coal and water, and to clean the fires before the whistle sounds and the train departs once more.
Back at Fleener’s Hotel, the onlookers continue to watch from a second story balcony. Rowdy laughter echoes through the door as men pass time playing poker or seven-up. The steady staccato of horse hooves ricochets off the wood-plank buildings. As they enter, the stale reek of cigar smoke welcomes them home for the night.
Life in a Frontier Town
Poteau had remained a sleepy little agricultural village until the late 1880’s. Once the railroad to Bengal was completed in 1886, the area immediately saw a building boom. Poteau didn’t gain official status until the following year when, on October 27th, the first post office in town was established. The new town, officially known as “Poteau Switch” took its name from the nearby Poteau River. The post office was located in Bud Tate’s general store, located on what would eventually become the courthouse lawn. The first postmaster that served Poteau Switch was Jap Evans....
Chapter 2: Poteau Switch; The Early Years
The No. 2 passenger train rolled in from Ft. Smith at precisely 1:39 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. The air brakes clamped hard on the wheels and the train slowly screeched to a halt. Curious onlookers watched as passengers step off the train and on to the wood-planked platform. Dust billows up along Railroad Avenue and then quickly dissipates, revealing a score of newly built businesses.
Across the street, a horse-drawn hack rumbles down Beard Avenue towards the train as passengers begin making the way across the tracks and into town. Most will stay at the newly established Fleener Hotel for the night, while others headed towards Cavanal stop only to rest their weary backs. The train only stops for fifteen minutes to take on coal and water, and to clean the fires before the whistle sounds and the train departs once more.
Back at Fleener’s Hotel, the onlookers continue to watch from a second story balcony. Rowdy laughter echoes through the door as men pass time playing poker or seven-up. The steady staccato of horse hooves ricochets off the wood-plank buildings. As they enter, the stale reek of cigar smoke welcomes them home for the night.
Life in a Frontier Town
Poteau had remained a sleepy little agricultural village until the late 1880’s. Once the railroad to Bengal was completed in 1886, the area immediately saw a building boom. Poteau didn’t gain official status until the following year when, on October 27th, the first post office in town was established. The new town, officially known as “Poteau Switch” took its name from the nearby Poteau River. The post office was located in Bud Tate’s general store, located on what would eventually become the courthouse lawn. The first postmaster that served Poteau Switch was Jap Evans....