IT WAS EXACTLY 85 YEARS AGO, this month, when folks from the Colorado prairie communities of Elizabeth, Elbert, Sidney and Eastonville were cleaning up from the biggest natural disaster in memory. A flood survivor, Ella Musick, was living with her husband Ed on their ranch east of town. Her father, Dick Burnside's, pool hall and many other downtown Elbert businesses were filled with water and mud "up to the light switches" as Robert Denney, Jr. recalled. Merle Adams remembered pulling structures out of the river basin, while Burton Elsner watched buildings disappear in "a poof of dust." These were some of the amazing people who survived that horrific day 85 years ago, and befriended this young stranger (me) who "wanted to write a book" some fifty years later. While I lovingly think of these dearly departed folks often, it seemed appropriate to remember them to new on-line generations in 2020. Have faith, we will get through our current situation, too! Please, now, a moment of silence for those whose lives were changed forever on what was supposed to Elbert High School's Graduation Day, 1935. History has a way of repeating itself, with variations, of course. Marilee, Percy and I hope this edition of RAILS, TALES AND SALES finds you in good health, and optimistic we are over the proverbial "hump" with this worldwide pandemic. 

It is in the spirit of my flood surviving friends, of long ago, that we offer the specially priced HERE COMES THE FLOOD, THERE GOES THE TRAIN! for a special DVD price of $9.35 and only $4.99 for the downloadable version. Sadly, current events have cancelled a lengthy list of public appearances planned for this year. The silver lining, if one can be found, is the many new friends we have made through social media. A captive quarantined audience has discovered Tell-Tale Productions' videos and books through heightened promotion, You Tube trailers and special interest on-line groups. The release of last year's KEESEVILLE, AUSABLE CHASM & LAKE CHAMPLAIN book has been followed by NEW HAVEN JUNCTION TO BRISTOL, VERMONT: CROSSROADS TO CASKETS. Sales of complimentary DVDs, for both, have instigated a renaissance of sorts. The expanding roster of new customers has been gratifying, and we anxiously await the opportunity to meet you in person. Just like those hearty prairie souls of 1935, we will dust ourselves off and resume favorite pastimes, while writing new chapters together. 

RAIL NEWS:  VERMONT RAIL SYSTEM ACQUIRES NEW ENGLAND SOUTHERN
Vermont Rail System has added another New England operation to its portfolio. The Burlington, Vermont based company, which operates shortlines in Vermont and northern New York, has acquired New England Southern, a 39-year-old, 22-mile route, which serves a 3M plant in Tilton, New Hampshire, on the former B&M White Mountain branch, but maintains freight rights from Concord to Lincoln. This acquisition is subject to approval from the Surface Transportation Board and New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Vermont Rail System is featured in our six-DVD series (sold seperately) and the colorful book VERMONT RAIL SYSTEM: A Railroad Renaissance. SAVE 50% or more on books and videos.

RAIL NEWS: UNION PACIFIC CONTENT WITH TWO STEAM LOCOMOTIVES "Uncle Pete" has reportedly elected to keep Challenger locomotive #3985 out of service. The company currently operates #844 and #4014. Since its 1981 restoration, #3985 powered memorable Rocky Mountain Railroad Club, Cheyenne Frontier Days and other events. Tell-Tale Productions began creating railroad entertainment during the 1990s, when videographer James R. "Jim" Jones was a Colorado resident. We encourage you to view our video trailers and peruse the alpha Colorado video listings on our Colorado video page. All DVDs are only $12.50, with free shipping to continental U.S. addresses only. Sorry, no orders can be accepted outside the 48 contiguous states. However, downloadable videos can be ordered from anywhere in the universe!  

Please tell your friends about our unique and affordable rail-themed entertainment. Your recommendations have been very kind to us over the past seventeen years.  
 

With warm regards,

James R."Jim" and Marilee C. Jones
Tell-Tale Productions