GM&OHS Spring, 2026 Update

In Memoriam - GM&OHS President Joe M. Hunt

It is with great sadness and a profound sense of loss that the GM&O Historical Society announces the passing of our President, Joe M. Hunt.

Joe was hired by the Gulf Mobile & Ohio Railroad in April of 1972. As such, he was one of the last employees hired by the GM&O before their merger with the Illinois Central Railroad on August 10, 1972. He served as a locomotive engineer for 45 years. Joe was also an avid photographer and had compiled a significant collection of railroad photographs.

Joe's service as President of our organization began in 2019. Under his watch the society published 22 fabulous editions of the GM&OHS News, and 7 calendars which are consistently among the best calendars in the Hobby.

Joe was a true southern gentleman. If you knew him you liked him. The GM&OHS owes Joe a great debt of gratitude for everything that he did to keep our society moving forward for the last seven (7) years. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and interacted with him.

In Memoriam - GM&OHS Treasurer David M. Johnston

It is with similar sadness and sense of loss that the GM&O Historical Society announces the passing of our Treasurer, David M. Johnston.

David, like Joe Hunt was also an avid photographer and had compiled a significant collection of railroad photographs. In addition David was a great writer. He was the author of "Gulf, Mobile & Ohio - Illustated Historical Reference", a tremendous all color hardcover book that is a must for anyone who wants to know the GM&O. David was also a prolific contributor to "The GM&OHS News", and was the editor for our great calendar.

David's service as Treasurer of our organization began in 2003. The value of the work that David did behind the scenes was truly invaluable and can not be overstated. Much like Joe, if you knew David you liked him. The GM&OHS owes David a great debt of gratitude for everything that he did to keep our society moving forward. He was greatly appreciated and will be deeply missed.

Call for Nominations

As you can see by the memoriams above, your Society has sustained a significant loss in our leadership. An organization such as the GM&OHS runs on volunteers! Please consider how you can support the organization and help secure our future going forward by getting involved. You will soon receive a call for nominations in the mail.  If you can serve as an Officer or Board Member please consider running for an elected office!  If elected office is not for you but you  can help with an event, write an article for our outstanding magazine, or take some additional active role please reach out to a current Officer and Board Member and we will welcome your assistance!   

GM&OHS Website Relaunch

We are currently working to update and expand our website. We will be adding content as well as upgrading photos and expanding the information available on the website. We expect the relaunch to occur in mid-July, 2026

The GM&OHS at RPM in Collinsville

Come and meet members of the GM&OHS at the Railrod Prototype Modelers Meet in Collinsville, IL, July 24 and July 25, 2026. The GM&OHS will have a table and will be selling back-issues of our magazine, "The GM&OHS News". We would love to talk with GM&O fans and GM&OHS members as well! In addition we will be hosting an informal get together during the Saturday Session. Check back for more information. If you will be attending RPM and would be interested in getting together please reach out to Andy Sisk (asisk@sbcglobal.net) or Rick Conrath (rdcmail09@comcast.net).

GM&O Modelers - GM&O Caboose Custom Kits Still Available!!

The GM&OHS is pleased to announce that Custom Kits of GM&O (M&O Prototype) Cabooses which were produced by American Model Builders exclusively for the GM&OHS are still available. Please see the "Model the GM&O" page for details and order form!!