These were the headlines in the Silverton Standard, Silverton’s weekly
newspaper on Friday, May 4th, 1962. The following is a copy of the
article:
The long awaited decision by the Interstate Commerce Commission,
Washington D. C., was handed down Wednesday morning and assures
continuation of the Narrow Gauge Line from Durango to Silverton for an
undetermined time.
A telegram from Senator John Carroll and Congressman Wayne Aspinall was
received by the Silverton Standard early Wednesday morning, and read as
follows:
“Happy to inform you Interstate Commerce Commission this morning issued
decision refusing to permit abandonment by Rio Grande Railroad of narrow
gauge railway connecting Durango and Silverton. This preserves status of
line as a common carrier.”
While Silverton people were quite sure such a decision would be
forthcoming it is gratifying to know that the action of the commission
was final and in our favor.
The narrow gauge line has been operating into Silverton since 1882 and
is at present one of the last and oldest regularly scheduled passenger
lines in the United States operating on a three-foot track.
Business over the line has been growing steadily for twelve years. Last
year the passenger figure hit near the 40,000 mark and an increase is
noted annually.
[Illustration: “Christ of The Mines Shrine”, Overlooking The Town
From Anvil Mountain, Stands As A Symbol Of Faith.]
This beautiful structure is 12 feet in height and was hand-carved in
Italy out of Carrara Marble. Erected in 1959, the background niche is 24
feet high and spreads 40 feet along the mountainside.
[Illustration: Locomotive.]