Introducing a photographer who needs no introduction to those with limited-edition hardcovers from the Steam series on their shelves
The work of Philip Tonson Horning has been featured in many of my original Steam series of hardcover volumes. Now we are about to showcase his (and his father Oliver’s) photographic journeys to Ontario, Canada in 1957, 1958 and 1959.
Readers of the original Steam series have seen Phil Horning (and Oliver Horning) photographs showcased, but until now space limitations have prevented us documenting their travels in entirety
We’ll begin this all-digital Speed Graphics and Steam! chronicle with a trip to Ontario in late October 1957
This atmospheric view at Stratford on the morning of October 26, 1957 is a teaser, a prelude of what is to come
As with our photographers John Rehor, Don Wood and Herb Harwood of the Speed Graphics and Steam! print series, Phil Horning uses the best camera his money can buy
Remarkably, our “PTH” is only 16 years old at the time of his October 1957 trip to Ontario with his dad, but already possessing accomplished skills through school yearbook photography and trackside documenting of his beloved Nickel Plate Road mainline through his hometown of Rocky River, Ohio!
Accompanying 16-year-old Phil with the all-important family car is his father Oliver Horning, a photographer in his own right (we’ll feature Oliver’s work in this digital Speed Graphics and Steam! series as well)
What would a photographic journey to CNR lines in southwestern Ontario in October 1957 be without a stop at Palmerston?
All of the black & white photography in the digital Speed Graphics and Steam 1957! Horning volume will feature Phil’s work with his press camera and 4×5 film, while the colour views will be 35mm slides courtesy of father Oliver
Reminiscent of our Encounters series, we’ll document the adventure of travel to Ontario from afar… this time from a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio in the Hornings’ 1955 Mercury Montclair two-door hardtop (Tuxedo Black over Yukon Yellow… an iconic “bumble bee” colour scheme)
All of our Speed Graphics and Steam! photographers delve deep into the remote branchlines of Ontario, and Phil Horning and his father Oliver are no exception in October 1957, for example probing the Southampton Subdivision in search of mixed trains behind CNR Ten Wheelers
To read all the entries in this new Speed Graphics & Steam 1957! series, click on the tab shown above on the Canadian Branchline Substack website (click on the picture to go there now and look for the tab)
To recap and expand
A new digital Speed Graphics and Steam 1957! work featuring the photography is Philip and Oliver Horning is in the works for imminent release
watch for a series of three background videos via Substack email or website (to all subscribers) beginning Thursday, April 8, 2026
the release of the all-new digital Speed Graphics and Steam 1957! Horning volume (for paid subscribers only) will begin at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, April 15, 2026
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