Glenn A. Oestreich

Biography

Glenn A. Oestreich (1952–2009) was an avid railroad photographer from Watertown, Wisconsin. Following his early and sudden death, his parents, Del and Shirley Oestreich, donated part of his photography collection to the Center. The collection consists of approximately 2,000 black-and-white prints, mainly 5×7 and 8×10, as well as approximately 1,000 color slides. Coverage focuses on Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest, mainly in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Railroads include the Chicago & North Western, Milwaukee Road, Soo Line, Burlington Northern, and several regional and short lines in the area.

Oestreich’s railroad photography grew out of his interest in steam engines, which he liked whether they were attached to a model, an antique tractor, or a locomotive. Around the time he was graduated from Watertown High School in 1970, he added photography to his list of hobbies, and he made photographs avidly well into the 1990s. He was sufficiently passionate about photography to have taken two photography courses when he attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He learned darkroom techniques there and made prints of high technical quality.

Professionally, Oestreich worked at one of the many immense food-processing plants operated by Seneca Foods around the U.S. This one is in tiny Clyman, Wisconsin, a village of 800 a few miles north of Watertown in a highly productive agricultural area. The Clyman plant produces mostly canned and bottled vegetables and vegetable products under various brand names.

Oestreich’s avocational life was rich and involved. He served on the board of the Dodge County Antique Power Club and handled its publicity; he also was a member of the Grellton Flywheelers. He assisted in restoring antique tractors and engines—a commonplace hobby throughout much of the agricultural Midwest and one with obvious links to railroading and railroad photography.

Please get in touch with the Center for more information about this collection.