LINDALE
History from Appleton City Quasquicentennial Book and
“A Tornado Started It all” by Wilbur Zink
In 1918, the Katy Railroad purchased 77 acres of land 2 1.2 miles South of
Appleton City for construction of a central terminal. A place was needed where
engines could be refueled, steam boilers refilled with water and crews and
passengers could eat and sleep. This site was chosen because it was roughly half
way between Sedalia and Parsons, Kansas and because there were several small
coal mines in the area which could provide a steady supply of fuel.
A coal loading tipple, hotel and depot were constructed as well as a “y” where
engines could be turned around. The company held a contest to name the facility
and it became known as Lindale.
The following year, 57 acres were purchased and a reservoir was built to supply
water. 1943 was a year of excessive rainfall and flooding and on May 20, 1943,
the dam that held this lake broke and let the water run out. It was later
rebuilt.
By 1947, diesel locomotives arrived and Lindale’s importance was diminished
although crews used the hotel and the restaurant was popular. It was closed in
1956. The hotel was torn down and the depot was moved and converted into a
duplex apartment. The tipple was finally demolished in the late 1970’s.
Submitted by Mary Zeiler