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1897, Railtown State Historic Park
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Author:  Ted Miles [ Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:58 pm ]
Post subject:  1897, Railtown State Historic Park
Jamestown, California is the home to a little known jewel of a railroad museum called 1897, Railtown. The site contains the Sierra Railways Turntable, Wood and Blacksmith Shops, Water Tower, Freight House and the site of the Station which was burned down about 20 years ago.

Since my last visit about 10 years ago, I am pleased to see that they have put in a sprinkler system to protect all the buildings.

They have done the Form 4 and are running their Sierra #28 and have taken apart their Sierra #3 to do a form 4 and repairs to whatever needs it. They are working toward matching a State Parks grant to fund the work on the famous movie engine.

Sitting in the middle of all this 19th century rail site is a lightweight passenger car named SILVEER PLATE. I believe it was from the California Zypher and way out of place in this scene.

Does anyone know if it belongs to the State Park and why is is parked where it is?

I seem to recall a booklet on the Sierra Railway and the State Park. but it has been allowed to go out of print. And they had only two post cards! I wish my State Tax Money was going further than it does at this very historic rail site. I can only think of a few other surviving sites as complete as this short line site. Chama, NM, Orbusinia, PA, Ely, NV and a couple of others come to mind.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Ted Miles
Author:  p51 [ Tue Oct 10, 2006 1:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1897, Railtown State Historic Park
I was there two years ago, on a week day when nothing was running. I was so blown away by what I saw, it was so worth the drive from Sacramento!
Author:  Dave [ Tue Oct 10, 2006 7:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1897, Railtown State Historic Park
What I really like is the piles of stuff that have been left where they were rather than cleaned up - the place really looks like what it was, shortline roundhouse and shop. They don't have to recreate authentic atmosphere, it never left in the first place!

I too have never been there during the operating season, but have taken a few opportunities to explore, and have found some interesting items in the gift shop at the depot I haven't seen elsewhere. I recall in particular a Women in Railroading exhibit (and matching T shirt I got for my wife).

I understand a trip to the site is part of the preconvention festivities next month - I'd particularly encourage anybody planning to attend not to miss it.

dave
Author:  Ted Anderson [ Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 1897, Railtown State Historic Park
>>I understand a trip to the site is part of the preconvention festivities next month - I'd particularly encourage anybody planning to attend not to miss it.

I plan to be there in Jamestown for the special trip during the ARM/TRAIN Convention if all goes well on reservations. My son volunteers there weekends for roundhouse tours and is throughly enchanted by the preserved nature of the facility. I asked in Sacramento why not more support and found that they are doing a lot but for a while funding was cut to repair flood damage at other state parks. I hope you folks in CA continue to support this gem and at least visit to see how the volunteer and community base could be expanded. At the Illinois Railway Museum, volunteers is what it is all about to make things happen while being part of the local community beginning to go from rural farming to more residential. On the other hand, state supported institutions must require a lot of finesse to maintain a premier facility while supporting the essential volunteers who will go the extra mile.
Sincerely, Ted Anderson
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