Month: July 2011
I think it is great that Thomas Bryan was able to go to Rail Camp this year. I also think it’s great that our Chapter helped with his expenses. In a day and time when most kids are stuck to a video game of some sort, (my kids included) we still have a few who don’t mind getting their hands dirty.
This is why it is important to be part of something bigger that our local group. There is no way we could have made an experience like Rail Camp a reality with our limited resources. But, when we pool our efforts with other chapters, we can accomplish great things.
Due to my son Joe having surgery next Monday, I will not be here Monday night to hear Thomas tell about his experiences at Rail Camp. I hope you will be unless providentially hindered. We should be happy that a young person has shown the interest. – Bill Thomas
As we come to the end of July, the 7th month of the year perhaps it is time to reflect on a few things. The second Friday Night Live is history. Wally Watts, Thomas Bryan, Steve Miller and I had an enjoyable time entertaining passing guests during the event. Next month will be the last one for the year. Perhaps a few more members could attend and talk with people as they take a look at the display. Next month’s Friday Night Live will be held on August 12th from 6:00PM to 10:00PM. The months of June/July were also months of hosting. Bill Thomas had us as guests at his home on June 16. This was covered in our last newsletter. Keith Kittinger hosted guests at his home on Thursday July 16. Keith has a nice start to his HO Scale model train layout in his work shop. With numerous coal trains and motive power his plans to operate trains prototypically will be very doable and enjoyable.
Our Chapter has taken the reins this year so to speak. We have been getting out and getting the word out about our Chapter. Results are slow but none the less, if we do nothing we can expect nothing in return. Speaking of returns, I still believe our Photo Archive is a very strong attribute that we are not taking advantage of. Steve Miller is working on the photo disk(s) he has of the Archive. Once he has them up and running we can decide how to use and benefit from the many photo’s stored, at this point in time, just out of reach. The Archive could be our “signature” contribution to maintaining rail related history.
With even more events coming up, the year is, and has been full of opportunities to promote our local rail history. The annual Crofton Picnic hosted by our Hopkinsville KY Members, The Clayton/Watts Open House, one more Friday Night Live and possibly other visits to members homes.
And of course, Christmas is less than six months away! That’s right, we need to look ahead for our December meeting and start the decision process as to what we would like to do for the meeting, program and dinner.
To recap, the Photo Archive needs to be discussed, the final Friday Night Live event as well as the up coming events just mentioned. Jump in here people, this is a group effort. So make an effort to attend the meeting and events. One never knows just who will show up or what will be discussed.
Chuck Hinrichs passed this note from a friend on to me for publishing:
I was recently visiting the Railroad Museum in Princeton when the gentleman working there told me that they are in dire need of individuals to help keep the museum going. It appears that many of the guys who helped create it have passed on. They have a very nice little collection but are in desperate need for volunteers to help work there. If any of you are in or near the Princeton area, please consider working with them to keep the place alive. Otherwise I fear we’ll eventually see it shuttered and the collection will simply disappear into garages and basements.