[PRR-talk] Coal thru Wooster, OH-1950's

[JDuink9191 at aol.com]

Was hoping someone else would answer as I'm not quite sure of submissions  
procedure. Here goes
 
During this time period utilities in Southeastern Michigan  (Consumers  
Power, Detroit Edison, Board of Water and Light at Lansing, Dow Chemical, etc)  and 
Northwestern Ohio (Toledo Edison) were enamored with Southeastern Ohio coal  
which has excellent burning qualities but unfortunately in today's market is  
extremely high in sulphur content. The PRR was excellently situated to  
participate in this demand with 5-6 large capacity mines on its lines just west  of 
the Ohio River.
 
While the unit train concept was in its infancy (or perhaps pregnancy) at  
the time this coal would have moved in blocks large enough to impress a  
bystander.  Also at that time many industrial plants-read automotive-  burned coal in 
the 1950's. It moved in smaller blocks but the volume was  considerable.
 
Next for reasons stated above, Ohio coal was popular among "Upper Lakes"  
consumers (paper mills, utilities, et al).  Many of the utilities named  above 
also had power plants that were served only by water. In the 1950's  the PRR was 
still proprietor of the Sandusky coal dock. Coal thus destined would  have 
moved in large blocks; it took quite a bit of coal to fill a ship.
 
John F. Duink
ex- Ass't Coal and Ore Sales Mgr, PRR-PC, Cleveland
ex-Coal & Ore Sales Mgr. Conrail, Cleveland



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