A railroad needs more than rails and rolling stock to do its job. Some of the most fascinating artifacts are the small items required for the daily task of moving the freight and passengers.

Few items from the Tidewater have survived, but I hope to bring images of the road's lanterns, switch locks, uniforms, and other personal tools and items to the website.

A pair of switch locks and a key from the railroad.


The lock on the left is stamped TSRY and dates from the 1920-30's.

The lock on the right is stamped T&SRY and was probably purchased by the original Tidewater & Southern Railway, although it has been suggested this could be a typo.

The key fits both locks (which work very well), date undetermined.

Click on the links or the images to see close-ups of each item.

Eugene John Vicknair collection

Tidewater Southern Railway

Small Tools