"The Rattlesnake & The Ramsey":
The History of the Lorain, Ashland & Southern Railroad
Announcing the forthcoming publication of "The Rattlesnake & The Ramsey": The History of the Lorain, Ashland & Southern Railroad by William S. Snyder of Ashland, Ohio. ISBN 0-9740850-0-6
The work is a 478 page hardback edition with over 500 photos, maps and illustrations. Extensive index and personnel rosters. Large fold-out map of the system. Eight years of research in libraries and museums across the country have produced this story of entrepreneurial spirit.
"It is a definitive history of the LA&S and its seven predecessor rail lines that served both the Pennsylvania and Erie Railroads between 1894 and 1925. The line operated between Lorain, Ohio and Custaloga, Ohio serving Ashland, Jeromesville, Savannah, Wellington, Oberlin and South Amherst , but had big plans to extend its reach to Pennsylvania, West Virginia and throughout Ohio. The book not only encompasses the corporate history of the railroad, but examines the motivations of the men who sought to control the sixty-nine miles of right-of-way in north central Ohio. The LA&S epitomizes the challenges faced by those who wished to bring railroad transportation to communities seeking growth and development in late nineteenth century America. From the industrial giants who financed its beginnings and the corrupt con men who mortgaged its soul, to the fluctuations of a "boom and bust" economy, the railroad was forced to overcome significant obstacles that threatened its existence during its thirty-one year history."
Mr. Snyder is a reference librarian at the Ashland Public Library and holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in history from the Ohio State University. He taught history, government and economics at Loudonville High School and served as high school principal at both Loudonville and Mapleton High Schools in Ashland County.
He and his wife Claudia have spent nearly eight years traveling across the country doing research for the book.
Retail price is $49.95 + $4.00 S&H.
Pre publication price before September 7, 2004 is $39.95 + $4.00 S&H
Ohio Residents must add 7.25% sales tax.
Purchase orders should be forwarded to:
Custaloga Press
1570 Greenbriar Drive
Ashland, Ohio 44805-3460
(419) 281-9506
lasrr1@zoominternet.net
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