C&OHS progress: The little article that grew...

As my attention turned to this months editorial, it occurred to me that I had not yet introduced myself. When it became clear to Father Sam Scott that, regrettably, his schedule would not permit him to continue as Editor, I agreed to take on the position effective with the November 2000 issue. As indicated in the masthead, Father Scott's welcome hand will continue to be felt through his role as the Magazine's Senior Editorial Advisor.

My own involvement with the Magazine dates back to May 1998, when I assumed responsibility for its design and production. In that capacity I have been able to mesh the trappings of my "day job" - as owner of an editorial and graphic design firm - with a longstanding passion for the presentation and dissemination of railroad history.

I was drawn into the C&O's orbit by way of its erstwhile relative, the Nickel Plate Road - like the C&O, an innovative and aggressive property brimming with fascinating stories. As first-hand impressions go, the Canadian Division was the center of "my C&O," with samplings from Tidewater to Traverse City and a bit of modeling added for good measure.

Now back to the notion of "fascinating stories." In the February 2001 issue I challenged readers to consider submitting material for publication in the Magazine. "It all starts with an idea," I stated, and this issue is a perfect case in point.

While browsing through Archives photos at the Society's 1999 Annual Conference in Cincinnati, I happened across two color views of a C&O DC-3, complete with "For Progress" logos. Then came the idea - it really does start that way - to prepare an article on this unremarked subject.

That one aircraft soon became a fleet, and the project became "the little article that grew." Almost two years and 12,000 words later, and with the enthusiastic support of a host of C&O employees, Society members, and railroad and aviation historians as far away as Europe, this expanded issue is devoted to the remarkable story of the C&O's "Air Force."

More than just an accounting of a group of aircraft notable in their own right, it is the story of how the C&O lived up to its "For Progress" motto when other railroads still worshipped the status quo.

It is a reminder, too, that the story of the C&O is about-more than railroads and railroading. They figure prominently, to be sure, and always will occupy most of this journal's pages. The Chesapeake & Ohio, though, was a trendsetter to American business at large, and was living proof that "it all starts with an idea."

Kevin Holland

Copyright Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society, Inc. Apr 2001
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