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Gelzer, Gary, 1949-2012

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1949-2012

Biography

Gary Gelzer, born Feb. 20, 1949, grew up on Long Island, where his father was a regular commuter on the Long Island Rail Road. His father’s daily journey on the LIRR inspired a lifelong accumulation of postcards and other items featuring ship and rail transportation. The collection officially started during Mr. Gelzer’s employment by the Chicago & North Western Railroad as a transportation officer. He bought postcards of Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad equipment as he discovered them at flea markets and railroad fairs. Mr. Gelzer served as a naval reserve officer and began acquiring postcards of cargo ships while working at the ports of the Great Lakes. Mr. Gelzer’s collection continued to grow after his time in Chicago, expanding beyond postcards to vintage timetables and menus. Also, as a result of living and working in the Twin Cities area, he acquired many Great Northern railway items and ultimately joined the Great Northern Historical Society. The growth of the collection continued until just the turn of the century, when the accumulation began to slow.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Gary Gelzer Transportation Collection

 Collection — Box 1
Identifier: TL005
Abstract

The Gary Gelzer Transportation Collection consists of 454 postcards, timetables, menus, and other materials related to 20th-century railroads, ships, ocean liners, and other modes of transportation. The bulk of the collection (312 items) consists of offset lithographic printed postcards.

Dates: 1905-1995; Other: Date acquired: 08/11/2010