A photograph of the last time the “Carolina Special” made its way up the grade into Saluda in 1968. The image was taken by Bill Schafer, who skipped classes that day to travel to Tryon in order to catch the train climbing up the mountain one last time.

An image of the early days of the “Carolina Special,” which Southern Railroad first put into service in 1911.

Schafer (left), a retired Norfolk-Southern employee and co-founder of the Southern Railroad Historical Association, was the guest of honor Wednesday evening. He shared the history of the “Carolina Special” and the story of his journey to capture its last ride into Saluda.

Also speaking during the event was Raymond “Bo” Brown (left), of Spartanburg, who showed off his collection of fine china and silverware that was once used in Southern Railroad dining cars.