RADFORD – Glencoe Mansion, Museum and Gallery will conclude its summer gallery exhibit
“Mountain Rail Tales,” featuring the photography of Dale R. Carlson of Bluemoonistic Images, with a
closing reception on Sun., Aug. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m.
All across the Appalachian Mountains, culture has been influenced by railroads, which created new
communities like Radford, allowed new industries to flourish, and provided convenient transportation for
residents. When the railroads ceased all passenger service in this region in the 60s and 70s, many depots
were abandoned and the rails were removed. Many of these localities then struggled to find a new
identity.
Fast forward to today and many of those same communities have implemented creative ways to reutilize
their railroad heritage to benefit their local economies. “Mountain Rail Tales” explores these revitalized
aspects of our rail heritage through imagery, evoking its former and current power.
Photographer Dale R. Carlson grew up in the waning days of passenger rail service and retained a strong
fondness for that mode of travel with its terminals, passenger cars and their rumble over the rails. Carlson,
originally from the Midwest, has practiced his passion for photography for over 40 years in both his
professional and artistic careers.
When Carlson and his wife Becky moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains, his photography shifted to focus
on this region. His works have been featured in numerous publications, including Western North Carolina
(WNC) and Blue Ridge Country magazines. Carlson and his wife Becky founded their photography
business, Bluemoonistic Images, in 2008 in order to offer his fine art photography on-line.
“Mountain Rail Tales” is on view now through Aug. 29. Everyone is welcome to visit the museum and
attend the closing reception. There is no admission charge.
