File:WB Tower closed in December 2011.jpg

Summary

WB Tower at Brunswick This was the last railroad tower in Maryland still in operation. It was closed in December 2011 and will be moved to the Railroad Park.

Brunswick's "WB" Tower Clarence Shewbridge, Eugene Harrison, a Mr. Mortimer, and Blair Harrington were some of the telegraphers who worked at WB Tower, which was south of the old YMCA and still stands. Their work was of special consequence. They threw the switches to redirect all trains entering and leaving Brunswick yard.

They separated the passenger from the freight trains by routing each to its proper track. They "threw" switches from the tower redirecting work trains, wreck trains, and protection engines coming into and departing the yard, and to make sure all trains were cleared for their run.

They "protected" the engines and the trains on the road. If an engine, for example, encountered problems at Gaithersburg, or Harper's Ferry, a message would be telegraphed to WB Tower in Brunswick to have a protective engine ready to replace the one in trouble. A protective engine was always kept ready at the shop in the "hallway" with a head of steam and ready for any emergency run. Passenger trains especially were "protected" in this manner at all times, since passengers and mail were hauled on the same train and both had priority over freight.

S- Dutch Burns W - M M M (Story from Brunswick History Commission

Tracey Snoots-Darr: My Dad Gary "Boogie" Snoots worked in this tower for years. I believe for almost 25 years. I remember going there and he would let me throw the switches and tell the trains where to go. I remember talking over the CB to Dad's good friends, people he hadn't even met in person, they all loved Dad.

Ann Griffis: When I went to school my Maryland history book said Brunswick had the largest single-line railroad yard in the US.

Donna Lyn Phillips: My dad, Donald Koogle Williams, who was born at 114, 4th Street, 1 of 11 children, was Train Director, at K tower at Union Station, Wash., D.C. for many years.