If you grew up in Shenandoah, you have most likely heard the story of a train being in the bottom of Big Gem pond. That story has been handed down from one generation to the next. We do know that Big Gem furnace had train tracks running to it. From the book “SHENANDOAH A History of Our Town And Its People”, we find the following -Big Gem, under the name of Allegheny Ore and Iron Co., had two yard engines- one purchased in 1882 was regular size. It was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1876 at the Altoona Shops. In 1890, the little dinky engine, dubbed “Maggie” was added. “Maggie” used standard six track and was built in England by the Hull Locomotive Company. Spurs were laid the Big Gem. We may never know for sure if a train is in the pond, but for now, we will keep on handing down the story to the next generation!
The below photograph was given to the Town of Shenandoah and is currently on display in the town museum. The inscription on the photo reads “Compliments of Roy G. McMullen, Strasburg, Va. This is Roy McMullen on the engine. This small engine was used to bring the cinder kettles out of the pit. These kettles held around 500 gallons each. This cinder was red hot and ran like water when dumped and it lit up the night as same as day when it was dumped at night. Note: headlight on ground for some reason. The number of this engine was No.5”
