Otto C. Perry, Railroad Photographer

Otto Perry (1894-1970) took his first train picture in 1913 and didn't stop for the next 57 years, until at his death in 1970 his collection contained over 20,000 railroad photos covering almost every state, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

Otto was a Denver mail carrier by occupation, and it is interesting that L. C. McClure (another noted Colorado photographer represented in our collection) was on his route. The two photographers were good friends.

Otto pursued his hobby diligently, taking care to obtain the right angle, lighting and composition. He went undaunted to mainline or backwoods shortline, often driving his faithful Ford over miles of dusty unimproved roads to capture a prized scene. Today interest in railroad photography is widespread, but during much of Otto's time only a relative handful of photographers were pursuing the iron horse He was one of a small group of hardy pioneers who preserved a record of railroad operations on film for us to study and enjoy today.

Otto was interested in all aspects of railroading as his collection reflects; from the narrow gauges of his own Colorado to big steam across the West, branch lines to the 20th Century Limited.

Here is a close up of one of the pages:

The Catalogue of the Otto C. Perry Memorial Collection of Railroad Photographs are in a two volume softbound set. The cost is $10.00 for the set or $5.00 for one. Shipping is $6.00.

Volume One: Includes a brief biographical sketch; Alabama & Western Florida through Duluth Winnipeg & Pacific; pages 1 - 319.

Volume Two: Includes East Broad Top to Wyoming RR's. At the end there are listings for Foreign RR's; Aircraft; Motor Vehicles and Ships; pages 1 - 412.

To Order with credit card just email our Photo Clerk.

To Order by check send requests to:

Denver Public Library Western History/Genealogy Dept.
Photo Sales Dept.
10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy.
Denver, CO 80204

Make checks payable to Denver Public Library.

Please Note: There are NO actual photographs in these catalogues. All of the images listed in the catalogues are available in our Online Photo Database.