The man who is considered the founder of the Wilmington and Western in Delaware has donated his collection of Stanley Steamers, museum, and home to the people of Delaware. Please check out the linked article. If there were ever to be a "Steam Hall of Fame", Thomas C. Marshall should be included. This is a great deed be a great man.

Tom Gears

News Journal Article
tgears1@comcast.net

Tom,

Where would we railfans in Dealaware be without Thomas C. Marshall. I wish there was a Railroad Museum of Delaware where people like him could be honored.

Paul


plc95@yahoo.com

> The man who is considered the founder of the
> Wilmington and Western in Delaware has
> donated his collection of Stanley Steamers,
> museum, and home to the people of Delaware.
> Please check out the linked article. If
> there were ever to be a "Steam Hall of
> Fame", Thomas C. Marshall should be
> included. This is a great deed be a great
> man.

Agreed. This man all but singlehandedly got Historic Red Clay Valley going and kept it alive through the decades, and it will be wonderful to see the preservation of not only his estate, but his collection of steamers.

Thoughts, however:

I am assuming that the details of this donation have been arranged well in advance and carefully negotiated over time. Nonetheless, I worry when someone donates such a large collection intact to a state or local government body or someone like the Smithsonian. Unfortunately, I can foresee the argument that "the state doesn't belong in the business of running a Stanley Steamer Museum" (we hear that with the NPS and Steamtown, which has a much broader scope). Has a provision been made for the preservation of the collection, say by a lease to a museum group that would operate the collection?

With the development of not only the Marshall estate but the potential acquisition of adjoining property, the potential exists to make the Marshall estate an actual destination for the W&W's operations--something to travel to, rather than just a picnic grove at a convenient stopping location. There is also a runaround siding (which would have to be rebuilt) and several vintage industrial buildings along the tracks--also with much preservation and museum potential. In the long run, with a 20- or 30-year plan, the overall operation could rival greats such as the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic, the Grand Canyon RR, and the WMSR for complete "day package" tours. Let us cross our fingers!


lner4472@bcpl.net

That would be wonderful wouldn't it!!!!!!!

Paul


plc95@yahoo.com