Is History!
September 15-17 was a weekend filled with railroad fun around Elkins, WV as 55 folks attended our fund raising event. These people came from PA, GA, WV, VA, OH, NC, MD, and NJ to support our museum.
Friday night started the event at the Elkins Depot with videos of moving the Museum’s steam locomotives last fall from PA and regional railroad scenes from 20 years ago. Pizza, popcorn, cookies and drinks helped make it an enjoyable evening.
Early Saturday morning everyone gathered in Durbin as the Climax built a head of steam. A photo train pulled by a diesel preceded the Climax pulling a vintage freight train. Several great photo locations allowed everyone the opportunity to shoot the Climax steaming by. In the afternoon, some folks went to Cass for a shop and town tour while the rest took a spin on the Salamander railcar.
Saturday night’s dinner at the Days Inn included a silent auction of railroad related stuff donated for the event. Guest speaker Mallory Hope Ferrell of Peachtree City, GA, author of 19 books on railroad history, talked about his experiences photographing trains in WV almost 50 years ago. Elkins Mayor Judy Guye and Councilman Herald Elbon attended the auction and dinner.
President Schoonover presented Mal Ferrell a replica of the builder's plate off our 2-8-0.
Sunday morning the photographers had a chance to shoot photos of a vintage WM freight train. Several great spots were picked out.
Sunday afternoon featured a round trip from Elkins to Belington on a mixed-train version of the New Tygart Flyer to tour the museum’s equipment stored there. President Jim Schoonover gave a walking tour of the yard and he presented the status of the many museum projects.
Everyone had a great time, and many positive comments were received from the attendees. Matt Reese, D&GVRR Trainmaster and Museum Board Member, did a great job coordinating the trains and photo sessions. Committee Chair, Diane Wade, seemed to be everywhere making sure everything else went as planned. The only negative was that the turnout was lower than expected; but, hopefully next time more museum members will participate. Yet, even with a low turnout, over $3,000 was netted for the museum from the event.