About the book: The first book of Frank’s work features stunning black-and-white photos taken in Chama, New Mexico, in the winter of 1963-64. It was the last full winter that steam engines ran long distance in the U.S.

The book was started as a family project after Frank gave a talk about Chama for the Cornell chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in Ithaca, New York. Frank’s daughter Rebecca recorded him talking about taking the photos—where he was standing (usually in a tree or on an outcropping of rock at the top of a cliff), how cold it was, what he had to do to get the right frame. During Covid, she and Frank worked together on the text—putting together the pictures and their stories—along with Barbara, Frank’s wife, who wrote the preface. The book was designed by Rebecca’s husband Tommy, and produced with the help of Della Mancuso, Robyn Wishna, and Joe Lamarre. The result is a rare and soulful collection that captures a time and way of life that no longer exists. Not many photographers made it out to Chama that winter, and fewer still wanted to wade knee deep in snow to take pictures of the engines. We are happy to have it to share!