The trackside gazebo at the “Folkston Funnel” on the CSX mainline just 35 miles north of Jacksonville across the state line in Georgia is a popular gathering spot for Southeast Chapter members and other railroad photographers and enthusiasts to view virtually all CSX and Amtrak trains entering and leaving Florida from and to the North and Midwest. Photo by Bill Howes.
Chairman: Steven A. Baxendale, P.O. Box.600544, Jacksonville, FL 32260-0544
Secretary-Treasurer: Stephen J. Vertescher, 785 Oakleaf Plantation Parkway, Unit 211, Orange Park, FL 32065-3505
Southeast Chapter dues: $15.00
The Southeast Chapter meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month (except January) in the CSX Transportation building 2nd floor ACOSTA EAST conference room at 500 Water Street in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Identify yourself by name and mention the R&LHS meeting for entrance into the parking lots and building. Those planning to go the meeting, except regular attendees, should advise Bill Howes (904) 891-3540 (cell phone) or (904) 891-3540 in advance so that security personnel at CSX can be notified. We normally precede the meeting with dinner at the American Grille at the nearby Jacksonville Landing at 5 p.m.
Our monthly meetings include programs describing historical and contemporary railroad topics. Our meetings follow the format of a business meeting followed by the main program. Our programs are designed around meeting the goals and objectives of the R&LHS. We plan field trips to interesting railroad locations in our area, search for interesting speakers, and in addition, we also host an annual banquet.
Our chapter has approximately 60 members and our newsletter, The Southeast Limited, is published every other month. We sell a reprint of R&LHS Bulletin #86, The Story of the Florida Railroads by George W. Pettengill, Jr. It covers Florida’s railroad history from 1834 through 1903. Our latest production is a video DVD on Henry Plant’s Transportation Empire. See our website for details.