First edition of 1885 Pittenger book donated to historical society

FALLBROOK – "It was a serendipitous moment," said Frank Hollingshead, recalling the moment he found a weathered first edition of "Capturing a Locomotive: A History of Secret Service in the Late War," by Rev. William Pittenger, in a used bookstore in Los Angeles. He has since donated the treasure – dating back to 1885 – to the Fallbrook Historical Society.

"It was about a year ago and I had just given a talk for the Sons of the American Revolution at a Los Angeles Elks Lodge," he recalled. "I went into a used book store nearby and, as usual, I scanned the shelves for old books. I saw the name '...