The Belton Railroad Company owned two 25-ton diesel-electric locomotives and three rail cars, and it hauled freight between Temple and Belton. The short-branch rail line was nicknamed the Tiger-Wildcat Line. You are looking at the Wildcat side. Look at the white circle undernneath the word “Temple,” and if you look hard you can see the iconic Wildcat logo. The other side was the Belton side and had a Tiger image inside the circle. Courtesy photo

This 1961 photograph, likely captured by the Belton Journal, shows the first freight delivery of the Belton Railroad Company. The Tiger-Wildcat Line delivered a load of lawn mowers and rotary tillers to Tom Jones Home & Auto Supply. The rail car came from Indianola, Indiana, and connected with the Belton Railroad at its Temple terminal. Courtesy photo

DENISE KARIMKHANI | June 20, 2022

Texas had a baker’s dozen short-branch railroad lines in the 1960s and 70s, but many railroad companies abandoned these short and often unprofitable lines, leaving small towns and industries without rail service.

ALCOA in Rockdale bought two short lines to serve its aluminum plants, and peanut growers organized the 24-mile Texas Central from Gorman to Dublin when the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad threatened to pull out.

Similarly, the Belton Railroad operated a stretch of track between Temple and Belton previously served by the MKT. It was one of three small railroads chartered in 1960. Dubbed the “Tiger-Wildcat Line,” its sole purpose was to haul freight between Temple and Belton.

Chartered on April 14, 1960, the Belton Railroad consisted of 7.1 miles of track between its west terminal in downtown Belton and its east terminal at Smith’s Crossing near Blackland Experiment Station. It connected with the Katy at Smith’s Crossing and with the Santa Fe in Belton.

About 1960, the MKT sought permission to abandon the line, necessitating an "abandonment hearing" in Temple. Testimony at the hearing showed the MKT freight train “operated when necessary, or two or three times a week.” The area affected by the line was about 39 square miles, and its closing was opposed by various railroad labor organizations and by some local businesses.

The decision lay in the hands of the Interstate Commerce Commission. If approved, Belton Railroad Company president, Fred H. Guffy planned to apply for the purchase right of the line. The initial investment capital was $50,000 by a group of Belton businessmen.

Belton Mayor Roy Sanderford, said: “We are firm in our belief that our group will be able to acquire the line and operate it to the best interests of Belton.”

 Various troubles plagued the new railroad as it attempted to get up and running. The poor condition of the rails and rail bed led to seven derailments in six weeks, and Guffy’s train was the source of much amusement among the locals. 

To make matters worse, quail, rattlesnakes, cows and a pair of pet deer were spotted on the brush-choked tracks. The situation was so dire the train could only travel four or five miles an hour instead of 20. An engineer, Eugene Hochstudler, and track foreman, Glen Hartrick, were hired to oversee a crew to clear brush and rebuild the roadbeds and rails.

Although the railroad wasn’t officially in operation, the new 25-ton diesel-electric locomotive made its first run with a load of insulation material for the Belton Rockwool plant. Belton industries served by the line included Rockwool, Tom Bowles Farm Supply, Griggs Equipment Inc., Cameron Lumber Co., Means Lumber Co., Woodall Manufacturing Co. and Continental Belton Co.

Its first delivery to a retail merchant was a load of lawn mowers and rotary tillers to Jones Home & Auto Supply.

Painted bright orange, the new locomotive had no emblems, but Guffy said it would soon be decorated with a Belton Tiger head on one side and a Temple Wildcat head on the other, reflecting the mascots of the towns’ athletic teams. The engine was able to carry four loaded freight cars. Plans were to make a trip to Temple every two hours once the ICC approved rates.

The Interstate Commerce Commission approved the sale in February 1961, and the railroad began operation on June 1. Guffy headquartered at the old Katy depot in downtown Belton. When interviewed by the Belton Journal, he cleared up a misconception about the railroad.

He stated: “There are more short railroads than most people realize, and this is not the shortest in Texas, as many people assume. In fact, there are so many of these short lines that they have formed a national association and will have a convention in St. Louis June 8 and 9.”

Mr. and Mrs. Guffy planned to attend the convention so he could “talk shop” with other operators. A report in Texas Business Review called the Belton Railroad the second shortest of Texas’ short-line railroads. It reported that the company owned two locomotives, three freight cars, and two pieces of rail service equipment. Its assets at the end of 1968 were $209,503.

Operating revenues and net income for the year were $57,907 and $18,001 respectively. Metal products, minerals, fuels, stone, clay and glass products were the principal commodities carried. By 1972, earnings dropped to $19,582. In June 1991, certain assets of the company were sold to the Georgetown Railroad Company, and in 1993 the line continued operation as the Belton Subdivision of the GRC.

In 2018 the city of Temple submitted a grant proposal to “convert the inactive rail line, including the Historic MK&T Railroad Bridge, into a scenic 10-foot wide hike/bike trail that connects people living in Temple and Belton.”

The project presents a unique opportunity to preserve the MK&T Bridge that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A $1.4 million federal grant approved in June 2021 will fund the first phase of construction of the trail. Under a different name, the old Belton Railroad will have a new incarnation.

This map shows the route of the Belton Railroad Company and what will become the Georgetown Railroad Trail, a rails-to-trails project that will be completed in two phases. According to Jason Deckman, a planner and designer for the city of Temple, the first phase will start near Ray-Allen Elementary School on 5th Street in Temple and go to 31st Street. Phase 2 will take the trail into Belton.

Citizens committee to play key role in implementation of Belton bond projects

KAREN RUDOLPH  | June 20, 2022

As Belton ISD moves forward with implementing projects funded by the almost $174 million 2022 bond election, a group of citizens will have a front-row seat to the action. 

The Belton ISD Board of Trustees approved convening a Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee to review bond projects, spending and schedules during the implementation phase. The action, taken at Monday’s regular meeting, is an effort to increase community engagement and transparency.

“As we prepare to get under way with these projects — the biggest ones being building two new elementary campuses — it’s important that we bring the community along with us and show them what we’re doing with the funding they supported,” said Superintendent Matt Smith. “This oversight committee comprised of community members is one way we can demonstrate transparency.”

Each trustee will submit a recommendation for one person to serve on the committee. Two additional members will be selected through an application process that will begin in July. The final slate of members will be approved by the Board at the regular meeting on Aug. 22.

The committee will meet quarterly beginning in September to hear updates on project progress, timelines, spending and cost projections to ensure the promises of the 2022 bond propositions are realized.

In other news, the Board also approved the hiring of four assistant principals. Marilyn Villarreal will assume the position at Belton High School, Hunter Houston at South Belton Middle School and Jill Williams at Lake Belton High School. Candace Cohagan will be Charter Oak Elementary’s assistant principal. 

Villarreal has worked in education for seven years including three years as a teacher in Killeen ISD and four years as an assistant principal in Waco ISD. Houston has worked in education for four years at Keene ISD and Moody ISD.

Williams, who has worked in education for 16 years, has served as a teacher, behavior specialist and assistant principal in Florida. Cohagan has spent her entire 17-year educational career in Belton ISD, most recently serving as the district’s English, language arts and reading elementary coordinator.

Tuesday’s best bets

• Tai Chi at Sammons Community Center. 3 p.m. This ancient Chinese exercise and martial art promote vitality, balance, strength, and longevity. Using special breathing techniques and slow, precise physical movements, Tai Chi can help curtail arthritis, respiratory disease, and high blood pressure. Regular practice of this “Moving Meditation” also provides health benefits of stress reduction, mental alertness, and increased energy. This on-going course is adaptable for all levels of mobility. Led by Christopher Dow, who has practiced this and related Chi Kung exercise forms for 42 years. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Tuesday on the Trails. 8:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson “KP” each Tuesday as she leads you on a different trail with a different challenge! One winner per week. Walking not only promotes physical activity and prevents stiffness, but it also stimulates your brain and aids in weight management. See you on the trails! Call 254.298.5403 or stop by for a trail schedule.

• World Music Day at Corky’s. Come jam to a variety of music. 4 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday’s best bets

• Comedy Open Mic at Corky’s. Sign up at 7:30, show at 8.

• Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Temple Coyotes FC soccer at Woodson Field. Fun starts at 6, game starts at 7:30 p.m.

• Open Mic Night at Fire Base Brewing featuring Maxx Carter.

Thursday’s best bets

• Texas Red’s Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

• Country & Western Dance at Sammons Community Center. 6-9 p.m. Take a whirl around the dance floor! Come scoot your boots and tap your feet to the lively music of local country and western bands on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Coffee and punch provided. Bring a finger food or dish to share during intermission. Singles and couples are all welcomed. 18+ 2nd and 4th Thursday

• Trivia Night at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. There will be 6 rounds of themed trivia to test your knowledge of all things trivia! Other categories will include Movies, Sports, music, and more! Play from your phone! FREE to play! Join anytime. Winners walk away with FSP swag, free pizzas and bragging rights! 6 p.m.

• Holy Trinity Catholic High School will be hosting a Blood Drive from 10 am - 3 pm.  Schedule your appointment to donate athttps://ww3.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/133466.  Walk-ins welcomed too. Unfortunately, the need for blood doesn’t take a summer break. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood and platelets for patients with blood disorders, trauma victims, and those experiencing difficult childbirths. A little of your time could make a life difference for someone.

• Karaoke at Bo’s Barn. 8:30 p.m.

• Spin Night at Corky’s. Spin to win specials, 4 to 10 p.m.

Friday’s best bets

• Karaoke night at Corky’s. First song at 8 p.m.

• Bob Appel live at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com

• Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Summer Sounds Free Concert Series at West Temple Park featuring Jean Pierre & The Zydeco Angels. 7:30 p.m.

• First Anniversary Party at Arthur Murray Dance Center in Temple. 1950s ice cream social and sock hop! Open to the public and FREE! 6-9 p.m., group dance lesson at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (254) 721-9524.

• The Yard Food Truck Plaza will come to life with sounds of Astron 55 and the aroma of a melting pot of cuisines. In addition to great food, there will be axe throwing and yard games. The celebration is part of National Food Truck Day.

• Megan Brucker live at Fire Base Brewing.

• Glenn Collins Big Band live at Barrow Brewing Co. 7:30 p.m.  Royal Street Art Walk begins at 6 p.m.

Saturday’s best bets

• Meg Groves live at 11 a.m. at Barrow Brewing Co. Anna Larson live at 7 p.m.

• Name That Tune Bingo Mixtape 80s & 90s at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

• Comedy Showcase at Corky’s. 8 p.m. show.

• Y’all Means All PRIDE at FoxDog. Bands include Kady Rain, Martian Folk, Lilly Milford, Jordan Valentin, Harper Rynearson. Noon until 10 p.m. This is a FREE event.

• Downtown Belton Street Party. 5 p.m.  Family fun to kick-off 4th of July in Belton! Food Trucks, Local Brewers, Kids Activities & More! For more info visit beltonchamber.com

• Flower Power: God Bless the USA at Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop. Program to include simple clever ideas to decorate your home with a patriotic flare. Celebrate our Nation’s birthday by creating your own fresh arrangement with a patriotic theme for your home, office, or giving as a gift. Enjoy a shopping discount during the class and the always fun Precious Memories Swag Bag. For more information or to register call 254.298.5690.

• Temple College Mobile Distribution. 9 a.m. Need help with food? Visit us our mobile food pantry distribution for FREE food on the fourth Saturday of each month at Temple College. Be sure to leave space in your trunk before you arrive.

• Broken Arrow live at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com

Sunday’s best bets

• Central Texas Film Society Monthly Movie & Discussion presents The Trip To Bountiful at CAC. 2 p.m. “In 1940s Texas, an elderly woman is determined to visit her childhood home for one last time.”

• Summer Lecture Series at 2 p.m. at Barrow Brewing Co.  Live music TBD

• Martian Folk live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. Noon.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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