First 100 Years Dallas Center, IA

Both freight and passenger trains provided the needs of a growing town. For 90 years, from 1869 to 1959, the railway provided passenger service through Dallas Center. At one time, during World War I, as many as eight M & St L and two Rock Island passenger trains came through each day. An extra railway clerk was needed and he often spent at least 30 minutes a day selling tickets to local travelers. Heavy passenger traffic continued through the boom period following the war but started declining soon after.

Only two passenger trains per day passed through town just before were discontinued in 1959. The last run carried eight passengers which was more than the usual number. Capacity on the combined diesel engine, mail car and coach was 15 passengers.

Charles F. Beard, 82, started working for the M & St L railroad in 1908 as a telegrapher. Prior to that time he was employed as a railway clerk. For a number of years he was top man on the company's seniority list of telegraphers. During his 49 years as the Dallas Center agent he has observed the two extremes in passenger service. In his opinion, rising costs of transportation by rail, lower revenues, super highways and fast cars were some of the contributing factors to discontinuance of passenger trains through Dallas Center. The income form mail and express was not great enough to offset the loss in passenger fares. As of 1969, the mail is brought to Dallas Center by truck, and the nearest express office is in Adel. Due to the continuing heavy shipments of agricultural products from the area, Mr. Beard feels that the freight service by rail will continue for some time. Only one freight train services Dallas Center daily on its route between terminal stations at Des Moines and Ft. Dodge.

The first depot was in service from 1869 to 1913 - the second depot from 1913 to 1943. Both depots were believed to have been victims of lightning that followed the telegraph wires into the buildings.

The first steam locomotives were small and unable to carry enough water for their needs. At first, a wooden water tank was located two miles up the track at the "reservoir". In 1915, the tank was moved to the depot site west of the main track, where it stood until 1932, when it was dismantled as it was no longer in use. The locomotives were larger and more efficient and did not need to take on water as frequently as in the early days.

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