| iLocations. Here is an image of a photo by David Seidel that was taken at the intersection of 9th Avenue and 17th Street in Altoona, Pennsylvania, c. 1953. Prominent here is the hand-powered derrick that's available for public use. What's more significant, though, is that from 1850 to 1854, the Pennsylvania Railroad's mainline from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh passed through here. The Altoona Passenger Station was located at 9th Avenue and 9th Street (to the rear), while the mainline proceeded to Duncansville and there connected with the New Portage Railroad (to the front). All of that ended with the completion of the PRR's double-tracked Horseshoe Curve. Also note the PRR's powerline transmission towers that led from the Power Plant at South Altoona to the 12th Street Car Shops and beyond. Partially visible at the right is the Boyer Candy Company plant, home of the famously-delicious "Mallow Cup." William E. Burket Collection. |