I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Golden Spike National Historic Site and was very impressed with the physical site and the job the NPS is doing. We were given a tour of the engine house where the 2 beautiful replicas are kept and maintained and trust me it's a facility second to none !!!

I had not been to the site since our High Iron Company crew was there to participate in the 100th. anniversary celebration on 5/9/69. One of the guests we brought to the 1969 event was actor John Wayne who rode our Golden Spike Centennial Limited the last day of its cross country journey from NYCity.

The NPS folks manning the site were well aware the John Wayne had been part of the 100th. celebration and have been searching for any pictures showing him there for years. I promised them that I'd try to help.

Our HICO photographer Don Wood passed away some years ago and with him my ability to search for pics showing the Duke at Promontary Point that day.

Therefore if anyone here can help me find some photos from the 5/9/69 ceremony showing John Wayne participating I would be very grateful.

Thanks, Ross Rowland

There is a photo of John Wayne posing with Utah Senator Frank Moss in the August 1969 issue of William S. Young's "Railroading". The image is credited to J.J. Young, Jr. who provided most of the photo coverage for a lengthy feature of the Golden Spike Centennial Limited. J.J. Young, Jr.'s family has made some of his collection available for viewing on flickr although a quick glance at the album listing does not show any of the Centennial photos.

Alan Maples

I had no idea The Duke was there at the time.
The guy who runs this site might be able to help, Ross: http://www.themetrains.com/golden-spike-centennial-limited-main.htm Todd is a really decent guy and I bet he'd assist any way he could if he has what you're looking for or might know where to look. You can contact him on the contact section on that site.

A short thank you to those who responded via PM and helped me find a number of good photos showing the Duke at the GS 100th. anniversary celebration.

The NPS folks are very pleased to be able to now have photographic evidence to add to their display.

Best regards, Ross Rowland

So glad you found what you needed, Ross. If I'd had any shots I certainly would have shared them with you.
Seriously, you need to get cracking on a book about your experiences!

Thanks Lee. I can't seem to get done with the " toid" chapter and move on to the later happenings. Guess I need to see a therapist for that??

Ross Rowland