SPRR Farm Demo Train

In the early 20th century, railroad companies encouraged improved farming methods and developed technological advancements for getting fresh agricultural products to markets. Farming demonstration railroad cars toured much of Oregon in 1909 and 1910, stopping at every depot along a route to showcase agricultural tools and techniques. The Southern Pacific Railroad hired agricultural specialists to travel throughout the West Coast and work with farm bureaus and other organizations to teach farming methods, conduct soil surveys, establish production standards, and develop irrigation districts. Railroad companies also developed cars, called "reefers," that were cooled using ice and ventilation methods. They were not replaced by mechanically refrigerated cars until after World War II.

Further Reading:
Hofsommer, Don L. The Southern Pacific, 1901-1985. College Station, Texas, 1986.

Written by Kathy Tucker, © Oregon Historical Society, 2002.