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O. Winston Link and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

By Marketing and Public Relations Intern, Megan Romocean

Did you know that the Akron Art Museum is partnered with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad?
One of our current exhibitions, O.Winston Link: Along the Tracks, shows a form of transportation that faded away decades ago. Link photographed the last steam locomotives as they made their way across America in the 1950s. The exhibition shows Link’s technical accomplishments and innovations as a photographer as well as his documentation of this historic mode of transportation that was quickly fading in rural America. The exhibition is on view until November 9, 2014.

Washing J Class 605
Washing J Class 605, Shaffer’s Crossing Yards, Roanoke, Virginia , March 19, 1955 (printed 1997)


In 1880, the first steam engine made its way down the Valley Railway, mainly to transport coal from south Canton to Cleveland’s booming industries. Around 1915, the popularity with the automobile caused a decline in the passenger traffic on the railroads. Thus, in 1963, the passenger service ended.

CVSR
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad passing under the Brecksville-Northfield High Level Bridge


Today, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has many tour and event options to give passengers the historic and exciting experiences they crave. Visit history museums, view cooking demonstrations or enjoy beer and wine tastings. Also visit farmer’s markets, unique shops and even take a trip to the Akron Art Museum!
The CVSR operates the train though the 33,000 acres of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in cooperation with the National Park Service. These historic railroads are owned by the National Park Service to preserve the important cultural resources in the Cuyahoga Valley. The CVSR also has the largest operating steam locomotive east of the Mississippi, so be sure to book your trip soon to enjoy a ride in the authentic open-window cars.
There’s an incredible amount of natural and human history in the Valley, and CVSR is the ticket to experiencing this fascinating world.
To learn more about the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and how to take your O.Winston Link experience to the next level, please visit: 
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
To learn more about O.Winston Link, please visit our website:
O.Winston Link: Along the Tracks