View to East, Gratiot Street Yard, 1961

Tracks converging from left and right. Note piles of rubbish in center right of photo. Main line moves towards MacArthur Bridge at right High line moves at left signals overhead also ground signals and hand thrown cross overs. This view is to the east from the Gratiot Street Yard, showing two tracks that are used for switching in this particular yard. The tracks at the left center of the photo are the main line rails that go from St. Louis, Missouri, to East St. Louis, and Dupo, Illinois. The large building in the center of the picture is called Gratiot Tower. The tracks that run to the left of the tower are called "High Line." The semaphore signal at the upper center controls movements on the high line. Engines working in the Gratiot Street yard head into the yard and the fireman's duty is to protect the engine by informing the engineer of any approaching train that may come from the upper right part of the picture or of any movements on the tracks at the right center. Notice unkempt condition of yard: the trash, rubbish, and weeds to the right. Also there are workmen in and about this yard as to whom a lookout must be mentioned from both sides of the engine.