Partners desks at stations

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

I already responded in more detail to Frank off-list, but thought a few 
more folks would like to know about the desks.  They were Roanoke Shop 
built, with several small design differences over the years, mostly 
dealing with style issues, and the use of pencil drawers next to the 
knee wells. They usually measured 60 inches across by 48 inches deep. 
They were wooden with leather or imitation leather inset tops.  I think 
some variations were made up through the 1940s.

They surface on the market from time to time, they generally are too 
big to readily be used at home and HEAVY, so they are hard to get up 
and down stairs. If anyone wants one, be prepared to have 3 or more 
strong friends to help carry it. The ones I have usually seen on the 
market are overpriced (IMHO).

Ken Miller

On Nov 13, 2004, at 8:15 AM, nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org wrote:

> November 13, 2004
>
> Hello, all:
>
> I understand that most N&W agent's offices had a
> "partners desk" for the agent and a clerk (if there
> was one).  Although the attachment is is a 1950s view
> of the new Front Royal station, the desk style in the
> foreground is what I am referring to.  I expect that
> thedesks and chairs are from an earlier period, even
> though they are in a new station.  This ns1115.jpg
> photo is from the N&W archival collection at
> Blacksburg.
>
> Has anyone seen other station interior views or
> personal experiences to confirm this?  Has anyone seen
> an original desk in a private collection or elsewhere
> than can be examined for dimensions and style?
>
> Please remember that train night is this evening at
> Boyce station, milepost H46.1.  If you can attend,
> there is a burger, chair, and presentation for you!
> Arrive as late as you need to; shows will go until at
> least midnight.
>
> Best wishes,
>
>
> =====
> Dr. Frank R. Scheer, Curator
> Railway Mail Service Library, Inc.
> f_scheer at yahoo.com
> (202) 268-2121 - weekday office
> (540) 837-9090 - weekend afternoons
> in the former N&W station on VA rte 723
> 117 East Main Street
> Boyce  VA  22620-9639
> <ns1115.jpg>________________________________________
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