Name/Title
Untitled (Billy Jones helps a young Donald Lyons)Entry/Object ID
2018.7.1Description
A large, framed black and white photograph. The image features Billy Jones crouching down next to a young boy as they both look at a toy train locomotive. There is a complete toy train on the ground in front of them, with a real locomotive in the background. The photo has a white matte, and the frame is a thin, brown wood.Photograph Details
Type of Photograph
Gelatin Print - silver chlorideSubject Person or Organization
William Jones, Donald LyonsCollection
History Collection, Billy Jones Family CollectionCataloged By
registrar@numulosgatos.orgAcquisition
Accession
2018.7Source or Donor
Priscilla PetersAcquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
Gift of Priscilla PetersMade/Created
Date made
circa 1939Time Period
20th CenturyNotes
Photograph was taken by an unidentified Southern Pacific Company photographer.Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
Photograph, Black-and-WhiteNomenclature Primary Object Term
PhotographNomenclature Sub-Class
Graphic DocumentsNomenclature Class
Documentary ObjectsNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsDimensions
Width
27 inDepth
7/8 inLength
27-5/8 inDimension Notes
Measurements are for frame.Interpretative Labels
Label
"Toy trains that run smoothly at Christmas sometimes need repairs later on. Here, little Donald Lyons of San Francisco, California, is shown getting expert advice from Billy Jones, Southern Pacific locomotive engineer." This photograph is one of a series taken by an unidentified Southern Pacific Company photographer. Another photograph from this series was featured on the cover of a 1939 volume of the Railroad Journal.
William "Billy" Jones ran the "Wildcat Railroad" on his ranch in Los Gatos, which he did free of charge, accepting donations as his only form of payment. Children and families from all over the valley enjoyed experiencing the thrill of riding behind a real steam engine. Jones was also an active member in the community and involved himself in a number of charitable organizations. He would often donate to various children's hospitals, orphanages and special-interest groups, but only on the condition he remained anonymous.
Billy passed away in January 1968, but his railroad continues to serve the Town of Los Gatos and the surrounding communities. - Source: The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, Inc.