Hunter here, and to begin with I want to wish a very happy Father's Day to all the fathers and father figures out there- you da bomb! It's a calm morning here at the Baldpate, but soon to be bustling with the excitement of families coming to enjoy this special day in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. In the spirit of celebrating these amazing natural wonders around us, I have decided to focus on the key to the Rocky Mountain Rocket.
The Rocky Mountain Rocket was Rock Island's first streamlined passenger train, running all the way from Rock Island, Chicago to Denver's Union Station and Colorado Springs. The Rocky Mountain Rocket ran from 1939 to 1966, and ran on a 19.5 hour schedule from Denver to Chicago, plus an extra quarter of an hour for the Colorado Springs section. The Rocky Mountain Rocket's success led to a series of many more long-distance Rocket trains.
Despite The Rocky Mountain Rocket's success and many years of exceptional service, the train's run came to an end after a combination of financial problems, decreasing ridership, and competition with the Union Pacific, Burlington, and Missouri Pacific railroads. It is apparent though that trains like The Rocky Mountain Rocket helped to pave the way for the major passenger railroads that we have today. This key was donated to the key collection by P.W Johnston.
As always, we are always open to new keys to improve our collection, so come in and donate a key or we are always welcome to mail-ins. Have a blessed Father's day with family and friends today, and perhaps come in and treat yourself a to a fresh slice of Baldpate pie!
Til Next Time,
Hunter
