Volume 10 , Issue 51

Waynoka's Railways Ice Plant History On DVD

Sandie says, "Waynoka Ice Plant Operation and the Story of the German POWs Available on DVD

The Railways Ice Company, which was in operation in the Waynoka rail yards from about 1910 till the 1960s, was reported to be the largest ice plant in America. Santa Fe was the main shipper of produce from southern California for many years. The "reefers", or the refrigerated rail cars, were iced in California, Belen, New Mexico, and again at Waynoka on their journey to Chicago.

The ice plant employed many people in its continuous day-and-night operation of making ice and icing the reefers. In the summer, it was customary to hire boys from Waynoka and surrounding towns, and the World War II years increased the demand for high school boys to work. Jim Linder, 1928-2007, was hired under those circumstances, and found himself working with and supervising the German prisoners-of-war who were sent from Alva, and later lived in a compound near the ice plant while working there.

Jim Linder's father was a foreman at the Railways Ice Co. for many years. Jim likely knew as much about the ice plant operation and the era of the German POWs as anyone living when he sat for a video interview on a Sunday afternoon in February, 2007. His vast knowledge, as well as his wit and wisdom, are clearly seen and appreciated in the interview. Less than three months later, in June of 2007, Jim Linder, who had retired from Linder & Associates in Wichita, passed away unexpectedly.

The interview is a classic in its history of two eras: the Railways Ice Company at Waynoka, and the German prisoners.

The Waynoka Historical Society has reproduced the interview on DVD, and it is available at the Museum Gift Shop. Cost is $9.95, plus $.89 tax. For mailing, add $2.50 for one or more. For further information, call 580.824.5871 or email waynokahs@hotmail.com." -- Sandie Olson in Waynoka, OK
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