I really like this photo! My late father used to work here at Man as the third shift operator, in fall and maybe winter 1969. He worked 11 pm-7 am in those days.
He had to change the position of the semaphores or train order signals by hand back then. They were mounted to the wall and had a geared system--I don't remember how it worked--to, say, lower the signal to the yellow or about 48 degree position when there were orders for the crew. The pair of Geeps on this line for mine runs is the same as it was in 1969, as there were trains going both sides of the depot to various locations. There used to be, I think, a wood chip loader on the same branch as the train is on. At any rate I remember seeing cars lettered for "Wood Chip Service Only".
Also behind the train and not visible is a loading dock of sorts. C&O kept a few crew-cab sized stake-bed trucks parked there. Dad never did say why they were there or what they were used for. The area behind the bay window, where Dad and others copied train orders, was relatively spacious. I believe there were three full-size desks in the office. Eventually the depot had an indoor toilet or restroom beside the entry door. They also put in a water fountain of some kind, similar to an office water bottle ("Culligan" is one brand name here in the midwest).
This photo brings back many memories, especially some of my Dad. Thank you for finding and posting this picture. I for one really appreciate it!
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