Anthracite Country Color by Gerard Bernet Soft Cover Kantner Photographs

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Anthracite Country Color by Gerard Bernet Soft Cover Kantner Photographs
 
Anthracite Country Color by Gerard Bernet Soft Cover
Copyright 1998 48 Pages  Featuring the photography of Bruce and Arch Kantner
Jersey Central lInes, Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, Readigin, Antracite Who what where why and when
Introduction
The phone was answered on the third ring. The first ring immediately pushed the brain into high speed. Was it another phone company trying to sell me their service or was it a bank offering to sink me into debt by obtaining their credit card?. Could it be another fund raiser posing as the local fire or police department hoping to make it feel criminal not to sign on and pledge hundreds of dollars to their cause? A firm "hello" was offered at this end and was met with a "I'm trying to reach Gerry Bernet". The brain immediately deciphered the call. First, the term "mister" was not used so cross out the bank. Gerry was used instead of the formal Gerard so it still could be one of those over confident fund raisers. A cautious "that's me" was offered to the caller, the mind still processing all data at a speed that would leave one to think that IBM was embossed on my forehead. "My name is Rick Kantner and I'm a friend of Mike Bednar's, he suggested that I give you a call". With all due respect to Mike, that simple phrase shut down the auxiliary circuits and brought thinking back down to a reasonable speed. The conversation was fairly brief as Rick wove an interesting tale concerning a friend of his named Bruce Kantner. While they shared the same name, they were related only through a common hobby interest.... the railroad. Bruce and his older brother Arch had been taking photos, slides and movies for years. Arch had passed on a few years ago and Bruce thought it was time to see some of their work in print for all those interested to enjoy. Mike Bednar had suggest my name knowing that I had a few titles in print and thought this would be a project right up my alley. As the phone call ended, the mind once again raced with the prospect of what was being offered. The next call was placed to Bob Pennisi of RAE Publishing and confirmed his interest. Once done, a call to Bruce and subsequent visits to his home cemented the fact that there was a potential for a book, if not two. The main theme of the slides was the area in and around Schuyllkill County, PA and documented the last fifty years. While the Reading, his hometown favorite, received the most coverage, the CNJ, LV and PRR were not overlooked.
For a bit more insight, it is better to use Bruce's own words to describe their work.
" When I was eleven years old, one of our neighbors gave me an old "Hawkeye" box camera. Arch already had a camera, so before long we started to take railroad pictures. That was the beginning of a lifetime hobby.
Over the years, I continued to follow developments in the railroad field and enjoyed reading railroad history. I also gained some first hand experience and education as a roundhouse worker before leaving for the Army in 1942.
When Arch and I returned home from the Army service after World War II, we became more active in railroad photography, especially after we started taking 35mm color slides and I started taking 8mm movies.
Over the years, we took a number of photo trips, but most of our pictures were taken rather close to home. As I look over our pictures I realize that these are the pictures that often have the most appeal to me.
My brother died in 1985, a great loss to me. From that time, my picture taking began to taper off. It was just not as much of a pleasure to go out alone. I missed Arch's companionship.
Then, too, there were not as many trains to photograph. I began to feel the "good old days" were over.
However, I also learned that there are a growing number of younger railfans who were interested in the pictures Arch and I had taken over the years. From time to time, I have been involved in slide shows and some videotape production. Sharing our pictures with people who have an interest in railroad history is a satisfying experience. I hope you enjoy our slides."
So now sit back, prop your feet up and relax as you enjoy Anthracite Country Color.

All pictures are of the actual item.  If this is a railroad item, this material is obsolete and no longer in use by the railroad.  Please email with questions. Publishers of Train Shed Cyclopedias and Stephans Railroad Directories. Large inventory of railroad books and magazines. Thank you for buying from us.

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