Charles M. Allen railroad collection
Collection
Identifier: 2002_045-UA
This 6.25 linear foot collection of railroad material dates from 1913 to 1995 with the bulk of the collection consisting of railroad timetables. There is also a small, but significant number of guides, maps, operating rules, pamphlets and brochures, annual reports, railroad histories, yearbooks, and photographs. Although most of the collection is from North American railroads, there is some material related to railroading in Europe. The collection is arranged in seven series: I: Timetables (5.25 linear feet); II: Maps (.10 linear feet); III: Operating Rules (.10 linear feet); IV: Engine Summaries (.05 linear feet); V: Publications (.25 linear feet); VI: Printed Material and Ephemera (.25 linear feet); and VII: Photographs (.25 linear feet). Most material is arranged alphabetically within each series, with a chronological sub-listing.
Copyright has not been assigned to the University of Louisville.
6.75 linear feet (5 records center boxes and 1 manuscript box)
Louisville native and railroad enthusiast Charles M. Allen (1916-2000) was born into a wealthy family, graduated from Yale University in 1941 and from the University of Louisville Law School in 1943. After several years of private practice he served as an assistant U.S. attorney. He returned to private practice, then from 1961 to 1971 he served in an elected position to the chancery branch of Jefferson County Circuit Court. In 1971 he was appointed to the federal bench by President Richard Nixon, a position Allen held until his retirement in 1996. On the bench he became known for his fairness and his commitment to equal justice for all. Allen died in January 2000 and was survived by his wife Bettye Cardwell Allen; their two children, Charles Dwight Allen and Angela M. Allen; and six grandchildren.
Judge Allen was also known for his love of railroads, a fascination that began in his childhood. He was a charter member of the Kentucky Railway Museum, serving as legal counsel and president of the organization at various times in its history. He collected railroad timetables, photographs, as well as guides and other publications, all of which were donated to the University of Louisville upon his death. Published monographs and serials were added to the Ekstrom Library's general collection and other material came to the University Archives and Records Center.
Part of the University of Louisville Archives and Special Collections Repository