THE LUXURY OF Climate Control

Initially, giant V-plows were used, but even they proved inadequate in many places. It wasn’t until development of huge steam-powered rotary plows capable of cutting through packed snow banks that year-round rail traffic was assured.

Back in the day, people just stayed home in deep winter; rural folks sometimes didn’t “make it to town” for long periods of time. A sled trip through many miles of totally white surroundings was a serious undertaking. Those riding on the sled had to be bundled up with the understanding that keeping warm was a difficult prospect. We have all heard of parents heating large rocks at home and putting them under the blankets at the children’s feet so that, at least for a while, the cold was kept away.

When automobile travel first became popular, it was a seasonal activity. Since most early cars were open,