April 9, 2017
The Eastern Washington Gateway Railroad
crew has just completed its run west with a pair of SD45’s and an
SD40T-2: spotting its empty scoot cars along the way. The last few
here at Hartline. They’ll tie down the power up the line near
Hanson, but not before performing pre-tie down procedures under the
“city” lights leaving a minute or two to capture this timeless
scene along Main/Chelan Street. The shrub-hidden typical modest
homestead is vacant. Its former residents either moved on or simply
passed away. Who knows? Have for some time as evidenced by the
unkempt bushes; unlatched gate that paths to where the screen door
bearly hangs from a single-screwed hinge slapping – like a
spaghetti western sound effect – against the faded siding as the
chimney crumbles, brick-by-brick onto the dilapidated roof. The mess
of thirsty tumbleweeds has aimlessly ridden in on the wind from the
endless scablands. Behind me, the leaning realtor's “For Sale”
sign sways back and forth in the breeze: has for many months and most
likely will for many more as towns like Hartline that dot the
Evergreen State’s wheat country – once hustling and bustling
microcosms – steadily decline. Nevertheless, these tiny communities
are the collection point for the vast amounts of Eastern Washington
grain (over 157 million bushels in 2016). Their elevators dominate
the skyline like rural skyscrapers. And, as has been for over a
hundred years, the symbiotic relationship between railroads and
grain-producing communities will continue unabated as railroads
remain the most efficient for of ground transportation man has ever
invented.
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