Volume 16
© 2022 THE SUN
Osceola, Wisconsin
The restoration of GN A-18 is underway BY LARRY PAULSON
The Great Northern A-18, James J. Hill’s executive car for 16 years, is now in the beginning stages of a two-year restoration effort. The A-18 was built for the Great Northern by the American Car & Foundry Company (ACF) at their Saint Charles, Missouri plant. The car’s plan, construction materials, exterior and interior finishes, decorative appointments, etcetera, were all subject to James J. Hill’s approval, since it was to be his office while traveling on the railroad, which was quite often. The restoration plan envisions returning the A-18 close to its “as delivered” state when the car was first presented to Hill
upon arriving in Saint Paul on the 31st of July, 1900. The GN A-18 is currently housed at the “Friends of the 261” facility in northeast Minneapolis, where it will spend the next two years. Preliminary work on the car has so far included asbestos abatement on the car’s underside, the removal of the mylar wrap that protected the A-18 during transport from California, cutting off undercar appliances that were not original to the car, and the removal of anti-vandal screens that protected the windows and doors of the A-18 while it was in storage in California. Also, some disassembly of the car’s interior is underway, mainly where the original A-18 floor plan is to be reinstat-
ed on the utility end of the car. As was the case with many cars of allwood construction, when the time came to update the A-18 after a quarter century of service, in 1924 the A-18 was fitted with a steel underframe, steel sheathing on the car sides, and a new steel roof. The interior was also significantly changed, with the service end of the A-18 getting a completely reworked floorplan to expand the galley, include a sleeping quarter for the porter, and moving the hallway from a center aisle position to the left side of the car. These changes resulted in the original solarium room on the opposite end of the car from the SEE RESTORATION, PAGE 2
How I met Sharon (on the train) BY MARK QUESNEL
Sharon Illgen and Mark Quesnel began their romantic adventure on the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway. It is one of many love stories from over the years. Here’s this love story according to Mark. Sharon and I met briefly in early July of 2017. She was spending the day helping out in an area flower garden. It was raining out so we chatted only briefly and I left. Knowing only her first name, I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to be able to locate her again. A week later on July 13, 2017 Osceola was celebrating an event. In appreciation of its neighbors the OSCVR offered free rides all day to Osceola residents, businesses, and police, fire, education and public service employees. The train was at the depot in between runs. I was on the train waiting to help with the wheelchair lift. The platform was absolutely packed with people. Out of the crowd I heard “Hi Mark.” It was Sharon from the garden. She was with a friend that lives in Osceola and they were riding the next train. I suggested they get a seat somewhere near the rear of the train and I’d try to find them.
James J. Hill
St. Paul’s Jackson Street shops A look at the past BY JEFF HAVILAND
The following article is reprinted from the Minnesgazette, former newsletter of the Minnesota Transportation Museum. It tells the story of the origination of the Jackson Street Shops, today’s Jackson Street Roundhouse in Saint Paul. The facility is now home to the Minnesota Transportation Museum, which operates the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway.
sat down next to her and said, “I think we should have lunch together some day.” Her reply was, “How are we going to do that?” I replied, “You’ll have to give me your phone number.” As simple as that sounds that was about all we had time to say that day.
Railroading in Minnesota began at Jackson Street. The Museum has contracted to buy the roundhouse portion of this historic complex. We are beginning an ambitious fund raising program to capitalize the purchase and restoration of the roundhouse to become a permanent exhibit and restoration facility for the Museum’s collection. Member Art Pew, Tom Mega and Frank Bifulk compiled the following information, so that MTM’ers can appreciate the significance of this historic facility to the region. St. Paul has its roots deeply in railroads. Besides the St. Paul & Pacific which later became the Great Northern Railway, the Northern Pacific and the Omaha Road also located shop facilities along the railroad corridor to the north of Capitol Hill. The immigrants who settled the Frogtown, Railroad Island, Swede Hollow, North End and Thomas -
SEE SHARON, PAGE 15
SEE JACKSON STREET SHOPS, PAGE 6
SUBMITTED
Mark and Sharon enjoyed working the dinner train together.
Unfortunately I ended up working at the other end of the train and did not get a chance to look for them. Finally as the train was back at the depot and passengers were starting to get off, I rushed down the aisle to try to find them. At times I had to move in the direction against the exiting passengers. Finally finding them, I
Page 2 • Railway News 2022
Have your event on the train
SUBMITTED
Tim Grube of St. Paul, Minn., prepares to celebrate his graduation in an OSCVR first class coach.
This the year to celebrate your special event in first-class style. The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway (OSCVR) is making their two air-conditioned, first-class coaches available for event rentals. “We already have graduation, retirement, and anniversary parties scheduled,” said Barb Sheldon, scheduling manager for the railway. “These two beautiful coaches are the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion,” said Sheldon. The coaches are available during the regular operating schedule of the railway. The OSCVR operates on weekends and one Thursday per month from late May through the end of October. First-class groups are welcome to bring their own snacks, beverages, or catered meals. For more information, call Barb Sheldon at 651-228-0163 or email at barb@trainride.org.
RESTORATION: Great Northern A-18 car’s rehabilitaion FROM PAGE 1
main observation room being cancelled. The original open vestibule on the utility end of the A-18 was enclosed. Lastly, as a result of the roof replacement, all of the original clerestory interior was lost, and was replaced by simple painted metal paneling. A substantial portion of the restoration will be to undo many of the changes made during the 1924 update. The steel sheathing will be removed from the car’s sides to reveal the wood siding beneath. The steel roof will either be replaced by a wood roof or will be modified to simulate the original wood appearance. The enclosed vestibule will be returned to an open vestibule. The utility end of the car will be returned to its original floorplan, with the solarium reinstated. Lastly, the original clerestory treatment that was lost in the 1924 update will be recreated in the three main rooms of the A-18 – the observation room, the dining room, and the solarium. The museum has contracted with MN Innovations, a locally based woodworking organization, to recreate the original look of the clerestories in those rooms. Their mission is to construct a wood framework upon which the replica clerestory windows, stenciled panels and framing wood trim will be securely fixed. The wood trim will feature a large number of decorative carvings in keeping with the original. The “Friends of the 261” orga-
SUBMITTED
The left exterior of the A-18.
nization is in charge of the major structural and mechanical work performed on the A-18. In addition to the restoration work already mentioned, this work will include any necessary updates or repair work to the trucks, wheel sets, draft gear, braking systems, plus electrical and heating systems. As a concession to modern comfort, the updated A-18 will also include an air conditioning solution. When the restoration is completed, the Minnesota Transportation Museum currently foresees displaying the A-18 at the Jackson Street Roundhouse in Saint Paul, where it can be viewed from track level up on one side of the car. On the opposite side, a platform running the length of the car is
planned that will allow museum visitors to view the car’s interior through its windows. An ADAcompliant elevator is planned that will allow access to the platform for those requiring such assistance. While the A-18 is expected to spend the bulk of its time as a static display inside the Jackson Street Roundhouse, the mechanical updates included in restoration plan should allow the A-18 the flexibility to make local appearances for special events, such as Train Days at the Saint Paul Union Depot. Donations to support the A18 restoration are needed and welcome. To help support this historic project, please donate at trainride.org.
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Railway News 2022 • Page 3
Experience history, elegance and romance along the river valley BY NEALY CORCORAN
Wine tasting trains are making their debut on the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway (OSCVR). This season OSCVR is partnering with three local Wisconsin wineries to present this unique experience. “This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the romance and elegance of first-class railroading,” said Sharon Ilgen, one of the volunteer organizers of the event. Ilgen and Mark Quesnel, both volunteers, spent weeks at area wine tastings to choose the finest Wisconsin wines for the excursions. Participating wineries will be Chateau St. Croix and Dancing Dragonfly, both of St. Croix Falls, and Fowler Winery of Hudson. “The experience is a partnership between three local wineries and the railway,” said Scottt Hippert, Executive Director of OSCVR. “It is all part of an effort to partner with other area businesses to show all the remarkable ways that our passengers might enhance their visit to western Wisconsin,” he added. Each winery will host two train rides on the second and fourth Saturdays from June through August. The wineries will present tastings of their favorite wines paired with small bites. The scenic 90-minute roundtrip ride through the St. Croix River Valley between Osceola, Wisconsin and Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota will feature fine wine, food pairings, waterfalls, wildlife, native vegetation and golden sandstone bluffs. “Some of the wineries are offering special prices to passengers that purchase their wines online, at the winery or at other local businesses,” said Hippert. “More trains may be
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CONTRIBUTED
Wine barrels at the Chateau St. Croix Winery.
added if the demand is there.”
Fowler Winery – Saturday, July 23 & August 27, 2022 Founded in 2019, Fowler Winery is all about making the highest quality, small batch wine by hand. “We import fresh grapes from California and make the wine in Hudson,” said founder and owner Robert Fowler. “We focus on traditional, old-world wines like merlot, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and blends.” Fowler Winery feels fortunate to experience the success they have had in such a short time. Part of that success includes 18 medals from the San Francisco Chronicle, and a “Double Gold” medal for their la crescent wine that won the cold climate competition. In addition to making wine and winning awards, “I am really excited to pour our wines on the train rides,” Fowler
said, “There is an emotional component for me as well. I come from family of railroad enthusiasts between my father and grandfather,” he said. “I grew up in Sioux City, Iowa. At the time there were three major railways that traveled through. Trains have been a part of my whole life,” said Fowler, ”My grandfather Gerome Montagne drove a steam engine train way before they changed to diesel. Growing up we had model trains and tracks in our house and I have fond memories of going on train rides with my dad, Dennis.” “They would both get a kick out of the fact that I am serving handmade wines on a train,” he added. Fowler partnered with Dick’s Fresh Market in Osceola to create individualized charcuterie trays that feature carefully selected meats, cheeses and fruits to pair with red
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and white wines. Red wines include: a Bordeaux style cabernet sauvignon and a bourbon-barrel red made with local grapes. White wines will include la crescent and either a viognier or riesling.
Chateau St. Croix Winery – Saturday August 13, 2022 Grapes have been growing in the vineyards of Chateau St. Croix since 2004. The vineyard is home to six varieties of hybrid cold hearty grapes. The grapes have been delicately planted by hand on a two and a half acre parcel of the 55-acre grounds. Chateau St. Croix believes in making the highest quality wines and focuses on finding quality grapes, utilizing traditional winemaking techniques and implementing the oak barrel when appropriate. “We were approached about the wine tasting trains by Scott Hippert with OSCVR,”
explained James Peterson, Tasting Room manager at Chateau St. Croix, “We were excited to participate as soon as we heard about it.” For the train rides, “Our tasting menu will include our Chateau Blanc paired with an 18-month old Irish cheddar. Our Wisconsin White will be paired with a Manchego cheese from Spain. The Wild River Rosé is paired with a horseradish Havarti from Wisconsin. Our Thoroughbred Red will be accompanied with Burnett Dairy’s Colby and the Marco V Port will be paired with a blue cheese from Wisconsin,” said Peterson. Chateau St. Croix has won over 20 awards for their wines, winning several times in certain categories including (but not limited to): Thoroughbred Red, Zinfandel Reserve, Wild River Rose and awards for both Wisconsin Reds and Whites. *Chateau St. Croix has added a Saturday in June. Please contact winery for more details.
Dancing Dragonfly Winery – Saturday, June 11 & July 9, 2022
According to the Dancing Dragonfly website, “We handcraft every wine we sell at Dancing Dragonfly Winery. We use a variety of grapes from both the Midwest and the Coast.” “Our tasting menu for the train rides will showcase five of our wines and pairing samples. The Polka wine will be paired with Boar's Head Pecorino cheese. The Pony wine will be paired with Boar's Head Vermont cheddar cheese. Our Ballet wine will be paired with Boar's Head Double Gloucester, the Ballroom is paired with Boar's Head Roast Beef and the Cha Cha will be paired with Tulum Sheepmilk SEE WINERIES, PAGE 8
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Page 4 • Railway News 2022
The Route of the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway 1. Trollhaugen/MP 48.2: A family ski area that offers skiing and and more evenly broad wings, and more direct, faster flight. Most eagles are larger than any other raptors apart from the vultures. snowboarding. Enjoy 22 runs, a snow park and a half-pipe. Like all birds of prey, eagles have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh 2. Dresser/MP 47.7: This was once the busy junction between the railroad from their prey, strong muscular legs, and powerful talons. They also have extremely lines leading toward Duluth, Minnesota and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The name keen eyesight which enables them to spot potential prey from a very long distance. originated from Sam Dresser, who settled here in 1887 at the railroad junction. This keen eyesight is primarily accomplished by their extremely large pupils which Dresser Junction later became Valley City, a name that only lasted less than two years. ensure minimal diffraction (scattering) of the incoming light. The railroad refused to recognize the name, which was a duplication of the name Eagles build their nests, called eyries, in tall trees or on high cliffs. Many species lay Valley City in North Dakota. The village later dropped the name “Junction” and is two eggs, but the older, larger chick frequently kills its younger sibling once it has today known as Dresser. The depot area once housed a large coaling facility and a hatched. The dominant chick tends to be the female, as they are bigger than the male. water tower. Both were used to supply the steam engines of the SOO line. Trains The parents take no action to stop the killing. and locomotives can be “turned” on the wye located just east of the depot. A small railroad yard is located in the center of this wye. Following the north leg of the wye 10. Otisville/mp 36.8: a former community and railroad stop located in leads to the Dresser Trap Rock plant. This line used to continue toward Superior, Washington County at latitude 45.247 and longitude –92.765. The elevation is 797 Wisconsin and Duluth, Minnesota. These tracks have been removed. The east leg of feet. During the middle of the 1800s Swedish settlers began creating a town near the river. The original name was Vasa, in reference to a Swedish King. the wye leads to Trollhaugen Ski area. 3. Osceola Industrial Park/MP 44.3: The spur track leads into the 95 Bridge: Minnesota State Highway 95 is a highway in east-central Minnesota, Industrial Park. When the park was established it was felt that a spur would be needed which runs from its intersection with State Highway 23 near St. Cloud and continues to supply the industries, but the only use of the tracks has been to store equipment. east and south to its southern terminus at its intersection with U.S. Highways 61 / 10 (co-signed) at Cottage Grove. This highway has two distinct segments (East/ 4. Osceola Village/mp 42.8: The river town was first known as Leroy West section and a North/South section) that meet at Taylors Falls. Highway 95 is and Bluffville. The name then changed to Osceola Mills before being shortened to 128 miles (206 km) in length and passes through the cities of Princeton, Cambridge, Osceola. The first St. Croix riverboat was built in Osceola in 1854. Osceola housed North Branch, Taylors Falls, Stillwater, and Lakeland. Minnesota Highway 95 is also the first Polk County post office, schoolhouse, gristmill, jail and courthouse. Cascade known as the Minnesota St. Croix Scenic Byway. Falls is a must see downtown. The water flows from Osceola Creek under Highway 35 and drops 25 feet in Wilkie Glenn. The downtown business district is located on the 11. Copas/mp 35.7: Copas is located about one half mile west of the original Otisville. It became the place where the railroad built a depot and the original platform National Register of Historic Places. at Otisville disappeared in the weeds. The town had several smaller industries such as potato warehouse, lumberyard and a harness shop. Also a schoolhouse and a post 5. Osceola Depot/mp 42.8 The wire cut brick depot was built in 1916. Besides this large building, the area housed office were located here. Only a few concrete foundations remain in the fields. Look a starch factory (potato starch) elevators, cattle holding area and box factory. The closely and you may be able to locate the depot platform. SOO Line also built a pavilion for dancing on top of the bluff. The bluff is conserved by the Village of Osceola and sports a picturesque walking area and scenic overlook. Rusty Cars/mp 35.5: Abandoned automobiles lying along the track. 6. Bethania Mineral Springs/mp 42: St. Croix River Valley is known for its many fresh water springs. Rainwater seeping through the many layers of limestone creates this clean water. In 1893 Ole Larson opened the Bethania Mineral Springs Bottling Works in hope of capitalizing on the water. The water was thought to prevent kidney and stomach problems as well as be a cure for malaria. Besides water, the works also bottled fruit juices. The old works building and some pools can still be seen.
12. William O’ Brien State Park/mp 34: A great “get away” park only one hour from the Twin Cities, William O’Brien provides a beautiful setting for quality recreation along the banks of the St. Croix River. Hiking trails offer quiet exploration of the park’s rolling wooded hills. For anglers, the channels of the St. Croix have northerns, walleye, bass and trout. Ideal for canoeing, the river is also a migratory pathway that offers visitors an exciting diversity of sights and sounds. In the winter, snowshoeing, skiing and camping attract enthusiasts. This is one of very few state parks where you can flag a train and take a ride.
7. Buttermilk Falls/mp 40.3: So called for it’s churning water. Is located on property owned by Philadelphia Community Farm, a local Community Shared County Trunk Highway 4/mp 33.5: As you travel in a car out of Marine going west you will travel trough a single one-lane tunnel. The railroad tracks Agriculture farm. run on the top of this tunnel. Private Island/mp 40: The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway owns most of the land on both sides of the river but there is one holdout. This island with the 13. Marine on St. Croix/ mp 33.2: Marine On St. Croix was founded in 1839 as Marine Mills. The city was the site of the first commercial sawmill on the cabin is privately owned. Rock Slide: 22 cars of ballast were hauled into this location after a heavy rain washed St. Croix River. The sawmill was built by Illinois lumbermen David Hone and Lewis Judd, who saw the opportunity to cut the St. Croix River valley’s abundant white out a lot of the dirt on the bank. pine. They named the mill after their hometown of Marine, Illinois. The mill began Pipe for Spring Water/mp 39.9: Trains would stop and fill their water operation in August 1839, making it the first commercial sawmill within Minnesota. It was first powered by water and then by steam, and it operated through 1895. Over bottles from this cold running spring. 197,000,000 board feet (460,000 m3) of lumber was milled through this sawmill. Although the frame buildings were demolished and the sawmill equipment was sold, 8 & 9. Cedar Bend/Cedar bend Draw Bridge/MP 38.9: The Cedar Bend Drawbridge was built in 1887 by a forerunner of the Soo Line footings of the buildings are still visible. The Marine Mill site is now a historic site Railroad as part of its Minneapolis to Sault Ste. Marie mainline. This route carried operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. passenger traffic until 1961. This rail line was sold to the Wisconsin Central Railroad, The city retains several historic sites in addition to the Marine Mill, such as the which was subsequently bought out by the Canadian National Railroad in 2001. The General Store, built in 1870; the Stone House Museum, built in 1872; the Village Hall, major user of the bridge today is the Osceola & Saint Croix Valley Railway, a tourist built in 1888; the Lutheran Church; and the Fire Hall. A substantial portion of the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a historic site by railroad line run by the Minnesota Transportation Museum. The Saint Croix River was once a major working river, carrying both boat traffic and the State of Minnesota. large groups of floating logs. To accommodate river traffic, the Cedar Bend Bridge was built as a swing span with a long wooden trestle on the eastern approach. In modern Marine overlook/mp 32.1: The view looking into the valley here is breath times, there is no longer river navigation, and the logging industry is played out. The taking, especially during the fall leaf viewing season. result is that the bridge is no longer required to accommodate river navigation. The swing span has been welded in the closed position, essentially converting it into a Maple Island/mp 28.2: is a community or populated place located in fixed span. The wooden trestles have since been replaced with concrete piers and steel Washington County at latitude 45.174 and longitude -92.855. The elevation is 961 feet. It was the original location of the Maple Island dairy and creamery. plate girder spans. The Cedar Bend Drawbridge is located over a mile from any roads or trails. The land in this area is posted. As a result, it is virtually impossible to visit and photograph this Withrow/mp 23.7: Withrow is an unincorporated village on the edge of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. It was formally absorbed into the cities bridge. Even by water, it is a long trip from civilization. of Hugo, Grant and May Township in Washington County. As such, it is currently Eagle Nest/mp 38: Located in the lone pine at milepost 38. Eagles are different considered a distinct residential area and business district rather than an official from many other birds of prey mainly by their larger size, more powerful build, and village or township. It is home to the Withrow Ballroom, a restaurant—bar, and an heavier head and beak. Even the smallest eagles, like the Booted Eagle (which is elementray school. At this junction the Dresser Subline officially ends and the CN comparable in size to a Common Buzzard or Red-tailed Hawk), have relatively longer mainline begins.
Railway News 2022 • Page 5
The Route of the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway to St. Croix Falls
to Chisago City
1
2
3 4 5 6 7
8 9 to Scandia
10 11 12
Guide to businesses sponsoring this publication: Osceola Taylors VillageFalls Pizzeria - page 9 Romayne’s – Page 6 Taylors Falls Recreation- Page 9 Osceola Wild Mountain Page2 9 Cascade BP - –page The Chocolate Gnome - page 13 St.Croixland Croix Falls Leather - page 13 Dallas House Crystal BallMotel Farms- -Page page212 St Dairy Croix Queen Regional Hospital - page 11 Medical - Page 10 Lundgren Real Estate - page 9 Chisago OsceolaCity Lanes - page 8 Erumen Point Pleasant PY’s Saloon & Grill -Heightspage 14Page 2 RE/MAX Synergy - page 11 Dresser River Valley Inn & Suites - page 3 Dresser Food Closet & Liquor Page The Secret - page 92 The Village Pizzeria-Pie Page 6 3 Thiel’s American - page Valley Spirits - page 2 Amery Watershed Café - page 2 Amery Regional CenterWoodhill Bar &Medical Grill - page 15 Page 6
Osceola St. Croix Falls Valley Spirits- Page The Cobbler Shop2- page 12 Re/Max Real Estate, Candi Mueller- Page 3 BPMarine CascadeOn OilSt.CompanyCroix Page 3 Bill’s Ace General HardwarePage 6 9 Marine Store - page Krooked Kreek Golf- Page 8 Croixland Shafer Leather – Page 8 Osceola LanesPage 8 Pleasant Valley Orchard - page 8 Osceola Chamber of Commerce – Page 12 Hudson Marine St. Croix FowleronWine - page 8 Security State Bank of Marine- Page 7 Spooner Scandia Spooner Train - pages 1 and 16 Scandia Olde Town Liquor- Page 4 Security State Bank of Marine- Page 7 La Crosse 4000 Foundation Limited - page 7
13
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Page 6 • Railway News 2022
JACKSON STREET SHOPS: A look back at the historical origins of the MTM FROM PAGE 1
Dale neighborhoods in St. Paul worked these shops and built a rich historic legacy.
The Beginnings The Territorial Legislature chartered the Minnesota & Pacific Railway Company in 1857 to build a line from the St. Croix River, through St. Paul to Breckenridge and St. Cloud. By 1860, over 60 miles of grade had been built, and in 1862, the company was reorganized as the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad. Minnesota’s first locomotive, “William Crooks,” arrived in St. Paul by riverboat. It was delivered to the Jackson Street Shops, and made its first revenue run on June 28, 1862, with the Governor and dignitaries in attendance. From a great dream, the St. Paul & Pacific degenerated into corporate fraud and political corruption. The railroad ultimately reached the Red River Valley and Manitoba, in part because of gifts and concessions from the State of Minnesota, but hard times and poor management kept the company from pursuing its ultimate goal. In 1879, James J Hill and several associates acquired control of the road from its creditors, and reorganized it as the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba. From this beginning, Hill embarked on building what became the nation’s largest railroad holding of the time, and to earn the nickname of “Empire Builder.” Hill needed an operating base that could sustain monumental building projects, and he ordered the expansion of the Jackson Street Shops to begin.
The Shops Grow The company’s new 1882 annual report stated that the new shop buildings were built of stone “in the most substantial manner” and of capacity “sufficient for the wants of the company for years to come... to be furnished with tools of the most improved, modern description.” The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that “The new shops of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway are the most notable local railway improvement of the year. They occupy a tract of about twenty-five acres ... stone of massive proportions is used in the walls, and heavy iron, wherever possible, takes the place of timber.” Hill stated in his fourth annual report as President that “The shops at St. Paul were completed and occupied in December, 1882 ... The expenditures to date, for land, improvements and machinery, amount to nearly one-half million dollars. Great economy has already been experienced in the use of the new shop facilities with the improved labor-saving machinery, and it is thought the expenditures made in this direction will be sufficient for some time to come ...The old shops are in the process of removal which will give the company a large amount of yard room.” In an 1884 letter to one of his English bankers, Hill bragged about his impressive new yard and shops. “During the past two years, we have spent a great deal of money for steel rails, ballasting, track, transfer yards, terminal facilities, new shops and in fact we have put the road in better condition than any railway similarly situated that I know of in the West.” The May, 1888, edition of NORTHWEST RAILROADER proclaimed “the
entire plant is constructed in a manner which is in keeping with the policy of the road. Everything has been thoroughly well done and in the selection of machinery, and of tools the same is true. The machinery plant is not excelled by anything in this part of the country and it would be difficult to find its equal.” Hill placed Col. C.C. Smith, the road’s Chief Engineer, and Capt. C.C. Renshaw, Maintainance of Way Engineer, in charge of the expansion project. Messrs Fairbanks, Morse & Company of St. Paul built two 60,000 gallon water tanks, the rolling mill scales, and the 40 ton railway track scales. It was one of Fairbanks, Morse’s first large contracts, from which the firm later grew
built and serviced locomotives, coaches and freight cars. The truck shop manufactured parts in a wheel shop that was unsurpassed on the system until 1970. At Hill’s insistence, Jackson Street became a research and development center for railroads in the western U.S. and Canada. While he believed that the company’s main business was railroading, he saw the need to improve agricultural technology, on which the Great Northern Railway depended for its business. Hill established an agricutural experiment station at North Oaks near St. Paul, where a scientific breeding program yielded more productive strains of livestock. Hill distributed this stock to raisers along his lines free of charge, knowing that if they
serviced it all. The Shops saw an amazing progression of motive power pass through its doors. From ornate little teapots of the Civil War era and the early beginnings of modern steam power, the Great Northern moved to modern steam, electric and diesel power rivaling any in the world. Although a hard-driving businessman, Jim Hill was a sentimentalist about the “William Crooks,” his road’s first engine. He saved it from destruction, had it overhauled and restored, and sent around the system, often under it’s own power. On Hill’s birthday, employees would roll out the Crooks to take old Jim for a ride. “William Crooks” resided at Jackson Street until
to become a leading manufacturer of railway and industrial equipment. Jackson Street was not narrow in scope. Rather, it represented the diversity of the railroad’s operations and its rapidly improving technology. The Shops were the storehouse for the entire railroad. The Purchasing Department traveled the world to buy only the best. Rails came from Germany and England. The Shops housed everyone from silversmiths to cloth-dyers. They
were successful, so too would be his railroad.
1958, when it was placed on display at the St. Paul Union Depot. Today, it is owned by the Minnesota Historical Society, and resides at the Lake Superior Museum in Duluth. Senator John J. Wilson said of Jim Hill, “He has captured more territory with a coupling pin, and made it more habitable for man than did Julius Caesar with the sword.” The Jackson Street Shops played no small part in making Jim Hill’s dreams come true.
From Little Acorns... The first passenger stock serviced at Jackson Street were fragile wooden carriages. The last coaches to be serviced included the glass-topped “Great Domes,” weighing over 100 tons each. From coal stoves to steam heat, gas lamps to neon tubes, hand brakes to automatic air, and plush seats to leg rest recliners, Jackson Street saw and
Railway News 2022 • Page 7
Gritty Palace homecoming Railroad history at the Jackson Street Roundhouse in Saint Paul continues to grow in importance. By mid-summer, the Minnesota Transportation Museum will have yet another amazing piece of railroading history to dazzle its visitors. The estate of the late Arthur Pew III has donated the family’s prized Gritty Palace business coach to the museum. The 1912 Pullman coach was originally used as the personal car for presidents of the former Rock Island Railroad. “We are absolutely thrilled to have the Gritty Palace back home at the Jackson Street Roundhouse,” said Wayne Merchant, chair of the Minnesota Transportation Museum Board of Directors. “Art Pew was instrumental in establishing the museum at Jackson Street and it is where the Gritty Palace belongs.” Mr. Pew served as both chairman and executive director of the museum at various times in its 60-year history. The Gritty Palace will arrive at the Jackson Street Roundhouse in mid-June with viewings available by late summer. “We have a group working on ways to best provide experiences of the Gritty Palace,” said Scott Hippert, MTM executive director. He noted that the coach is in mint condition and fully compatible with AMTRAK. The Pew family of White Bear Lake would travel on the car as it was pulled behind AMTRAK trains, which is how most private rail cars travel in the present day. The 83-foot-long Pullman coach is appointed with beautiful mahogany, polished brass, and period furnishings. It has four bedrooms, two baths, a parlor and working kitchen. “We hope that the legacy of Art and Judy Pew will live on in the life of the Minnesota Transportation Museum,” said Chairman Merchant. “The Gritty Palace will help ensure that legacy and contribute to the future of the museum. It is one of our most prized possessions!”
30 th Annual
RAIL FAIR
Copeland Park, La Crosse, Wisconsin Saturday, July 16th, 2022 10 am - 4 pm
Railroad Show • Flea Market • Swap Meet BUY – SELL – TRADE Model & Toy Trains • Railroadiana Antique Toys • Diecast Models Railroad Exhibits & Displays
GUIDED TOURS OF THE STEAM LOCOMOTIVE, CABOOSE AND GRAND CROSSING TOWER Admission $5.00 / Children under 12 FREE (with adult)
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
The back exterior and interior of the Gritty Palace Coach, which will arrive in mid-June at the Jackson Street Roundhouse, where viewings will be available by late summer.
The 4000 Foundation, Limited presents ... La
Crosse’s 31st Annual
GREAT TRI-STATE RAIL SALE THE TRI-STATE’S LARGEST ONE DAY HOBBY SALE • MODEL RAILROAD FLEA MARKET • SWAP MEET 300 Vendor Tables featuring ...
All Scales Equipment & Accessories • Railroad Antiques & Memorabilia • R.R. Books, Magazines & Pictures • • Hobby Supplies • Die-Cast Models • Antique Toys • and much, much, more!!
Saturday, January 28th, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Admission $5.00 - Children under 12 FREE
The Annual Rail Fair is a production of the 4000 Foundation, Limited in partnership with the La Crosse Parks & Recreation Department. All Proceeds go to Maintain and Restore the La Crosse Short Line Railroad Heritage Museum
The 4000 Foundation, Limited P.O. Box 3411 La Crosse, WI 54602-3411
www.4000foundation.org
608-781-9383 or 608-498-9522
Next Show: The Great Tri-State Rail Sale Saturday, January 28th, 2023 held at: The La Crosse Center, 2nd & Pearl Streets
Patio Open Evenings and Weekends
• Burgers & Fries • Broasted Chicken
2nd & Pearl Streets • La Crosse, Wisconsin
LA CROSSE CENTER
• Chicken Wings
Swap Tables • Hobby Dealers
• Tacos
For Information and Reservations:
The 4000 Foundation, Limited P.O. Box 3411 • La Crosse, WI 54602-3411 Phone: 608-781-9383 or 608-498-9522 www.4000foundation.com
The great Tri-State Rail Sale is a production of the 4000 Foundation, Limited in partnership with the La Crosse Parks & Recreation Department. All Proceeds go to Maintain and Restore the La Crosse Short Line Railroad Heritage Museum – NEXT SHOW –
RAIL FAIR
SATURDAY, JULY 15 , 2023 th
held at: COPELAND PARK, Rose & Clinton Streets
3 for $7 All day & night Tuesday & Thursday
• Breakfast
Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. - Noon
• Drink Specials
Cheese Curds ............................$7.50 Ellsworth White Cheese Curds taste like no other because they come from 30,000 cows on 450 family farms in Wisconsin and Minnesota
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Page 8 • Railway News 2022
SUBMITTED
Robert Fowler, founder of the Fowler Winery in Hudson, WI.
WINERIES: Area tastings FROM PAGE 3
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cheese,” said Scott Lee, Tasting Room manager Dragonfly Winery.” In 2020 Dancing Dragonfly Winery was awarded a “Double Gold” and “Best of Show” for their Hula wine at the International Cold Climate Wine Competition. The "Double Gold" is only awarded to the very few entries that receive unanimous Gold medal ratings from their judges. In addition to winning Hula's “Double Gold” all 10 of Dancing Dragonfly's wines entered into competition also earned medals. Wine tasting trains will depart Osceola Depot at 3 p.m. Participants must be 21 years of age. No bottled wines will be sold on the trains or at the depot. For more information including a winery schedule, and to book reservations, please go to www.trainride. org. For more information about the wineries visit: https://www.fowlerwine.com https://www.chateaustcroix.com https://www.dancingdragonflywinery.com
Railway News 2022 • Page 9
Proposed museum exhibit explores African American contributions to railroading African Americans had a significant role in the success of America’s early railroads, and their stories are often left untold. While African American railroad workers faced many challenges, they also found railroad employment to pay sustainable wages that helped build strong families and communities. The Minnesota Transportation Museum is planning a new exhibit that will explore the role of African American railway workers in the social and economic history of our region. “This first exhibit will focus on the immense contributions made by African Americans,” said Scott Hippert, Executive Director of the Minnesota Transportation Museum. “After much historical and genealogical research, we are at the point of presenting a prototype of the exhibit’s narrative, said Hippert. “We hope to gain feedback from museum visitors that will further inform the final exhibit, which may take several years to complete.” Go to pages 10 and 11 to read more on this exhibit and history. The Twin Tracks exhibit development has been supported by a Legacy Grant from the Minnesota Historical Society.
Pumpkins and colored leaves During normal times, the fall color season and the popular Pumpkin Express Trains mean packed seats on the Osceola & Saint Croix Valley Railway (OSCVR). These days, with COVID-19 hopefully behind us, families and enthusiasts are already buying up tickets for the popular fall excursions of the OSCVR. Fall Color Trains operate from Sept. 17 through Oct. 9 and treat passengers to an explosion of color along the 90 minute trip
through the St. Croix River Valley. “These trains are almost always sold out,” said Bob Puelston, Railroad Operations Supervisor. “It is an incredibly beautiful fall trip through the river valley, and people come from all surrounding states to experience it on a train,” said Puelston. The bottom line is to get your tickets early, especially if you want to book an entire firstclass coach for your group. The Pumpkin Express Trains
operate from Oct. 22 through Oct. 24 and take guests to a festival of fall fun at the depot in Dresser, Wis. Families enjoy taking a short speeder ride, games, food, fun exhibits, music, and other activities. Best of all, kids can pick their own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and take it home for Halloween! Since these events sell out fast, you are encouraged to get your tickets early. Go to www.trainride.org.
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Page 10 • Railway News 2022
Twin Tracks
AFRICAN AMERICAN RAILROAD WORKERS IN THE TWIN CITIES
For decades, the railroads provided important jobs for Minnesota's Black communities, and Black laborers were essential to railroad company profits and success. There is a bittersweet relationship between Black workers, railroad owners, management, and the travelling public. Minnesota's Black railroaders fought for and secured enormous victories for themselves and their community.
Despite racism and exploitation, they lifted up their families, formed the backbone of the Black professional class, challenged and overthrew racist practices, and set the stage for following generations. This exhibit examines the benefits and liabilities of this work, delves into just how deeply this work affected them, their families, and their communities, and the contributions these workers were able to make, despite the indignities they were forced to endure on their jobs, that ensured a better life for home, community and the nation that are still impacting us today.
Twin Tracks allows us to take a step back and recognize that some of what occurred is truly remarkable, and that some of what we thought immutable and natural is contingent and open to change.
Dewey Jackson, Pullman porter for Northern Pacific ailwayA Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society
Railway News 2022 • Page 11
The Unseen Service During the 1920s and 1930s, many Black Minnesotans worked in
The Unseen Service
unseen jobs in the railroad industry. Unlike porters, waiters, Red
Caps, and maids, these workers rarely interacted with the During the 1920s and 1930s, many Black Minnesotans worked in public. jobs These jobsrailroad were often extremely physical. Far from the unseen in the industry. Unlike porters, waiters, Red publicand eyemaids, or from upper management, the crew workers were Caps, these workers rarely interacted with the particularly to the whims of their immediate bosses. public. Thesesusceptible jobs were often extremely physical. Far from the These eye unseen workers included the men worked inwere section public or from upper management, thewho crew workers particularly susceptible to the whims of train their immediate the road beds.bosses. Others crews, repairing and maintaining These unseen workers included men who workedhelping in section helped to care for the cars orthe worked as truckers to and maintaining train beds. Others crews, repairing transfer and haul freight to andthe from theroad railroad cars on carts. helped to care for thecommissary cars or worked truckers helping to to Some worked in the andas store rooms, helping This staged 1940 Great Northern image captured a commissary 8orker managing the equipment supply for the dining cars. Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society
This staged 1940 Great Northern image captured a commissary 8orker managing the equipment supply for the dining cars.
transfer and haul freight to and from the railroad on carts. stock and supply the trains with dishes, cutlery, cars food, and other Some worked in the commissary and store rooms, helping to supplies. stock and supply the trains with dishes, cutlery, food, and other supplies.
Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society
Segregated Jobs, Segregated Unions Segregated Jobs, Segregated Unions
Segregation wasn't just a custom in the South. It was a legally valid policy across the nation. Railroad jobs were generally segregated. Segregation wasn't just a custom in the South. It was a legally valid African Americans were nearly always in low-skilled, low-pay jobs with policy across the nation. Railroad jobs were generally segregated. limited opportunities for promotion. A small number of African African Americans were nearly always in low-skilled, low-pay jobs with American workers were in the skilled category such as engineers, limited opportunities for promotion. A small number of African yard mechanics, conductors, or brakemen. Black workers were paid American workers were in the skilled category such as engineers, less than white workers for the same job. Unions could either accept yard mechanics, conductors, or brakemen. Black workers were paid
Black workers into their unions and fight for increased pay for less than white workers for the same job. Unions could either accept everyone, or keep lower-paid Black co-workers out. Most unions chose Black workers into their unions and fight for increased pay for the second or approach. Said one white worker, “We ratherchose be everyone, keep lower-paid Black co-workers out.would Most unions absolute slaves of capital than to takeworker, the Negro ourrather lodges the second approach. Said one white “Weinto would beas an equal and a brother.” absolute slaves of capital than to take the Negro into our lodges as an equal and a brother.”
Frank Boyd in his home on Mackubin venue, St. Paul; Secretary Treasurer of the B.S.C.P. ( Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters). Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society
Frank Boyd in his home on Mackubin venue, St. Paul; Secretary Treasurer of the B.S.C.P. ( Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters). Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society
Never Lose "our Cool Never Lose "our Cool
On a passenger train, a typical dining car could serve around
On passenger train, a typical car could serve around 150apassengers in three shifts dining per meal. A dining crew usually 150 passengers in three shifts per meal. A to dining crew usually For included a steward, four cooks, and up six waiters. included a steward, four cooks, and up to six waiters. For decades, the steward job was reserved just for white men - in decades, the steward job was reserved just for white men - in Jim Crow states their tasks included enforcing segregated Jim Crow states their tasks included enforcing segregated eating areas. Even after that job opened up to Black men, eating areas. Even after that job opened up to Black men, preference was given to those with lighter complexions. preference was given to those with lighter complexions. According to waiter Littleton Gardner, "...You got eight people
Like many of the other photos in this exhibit, this 1935 image 8as created as a marketing piece. Like many of theHistorical other photos in this exhibit, this 1935 image 8as created as a marketing piece. Courtesy Minnesota Society Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society
According to waiter Littleton Gardner, "...You got eight people that you're waiting on, and this customer is trying to give you a that you're waiting on, and this customer is trying to give you a bad time. Never lose your cool, because you've got seven other bad time. Never lose your cool, because you've got seven other people that are watching, and they'll say, ‘Oh, That's a nice people that are watching, and they'll say, ‘Oh, That's a nice
waiter there.’ Psychology. One learns that.” waiter there.’ Psychology. One learns that.”
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Page 12 • Railway News 2022
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Page 4
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Railway News 2022 • Page 13
Coach Class Service Coach Trains Coach Trains, operating through Sept. 12, provide guests with coach seats in our historic standard seating passenger cars. Enjoy views of the rolling countryside, the beautiful St. Croix River Valley, and Mother Nature at her best.
Pizza Trains
Pizza Trains operate most Saturdays through Sept. 4, on the 11a.m. train. Passengers enjoy a personal pizza, soda, and a 90-minute ride through the valley in our classic “Rock” commuter coach cars. Great for families!
Fall Color Train Fall Color Trains operate Sept. 17 through Oct. 9 and treat our guests to an explosion of color along our 90-minute run through the St. Croix River Valley.
Pumpkin Express Train
Pumpkin Express Trains operate October 22-24 and take guests to a festival of fall fun in Dresser! Take a short speeder ride, enjoy games, food, several fun exhibits and other activities. Kids can pick their own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch!
Upgrade to a Combination Ride For an additional $10 you can ride to both Marine-on-St.-Croix and Dresser. Make the most of your day on the rails with a Dresser. Upgrade ticket!
Choo Choo Specials Stay, Dine, Shop, Recreate, and Renew in the Village of Osceola. Make your visit a weekend of fun with Choo Choo Specials offered by area businesses.
Check out the savings at www.TrainRide.org
Watch for Special Events and Thursday Rides www.TrainRide.org
Ride the rails all season long If you love trains, the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway welcomes you to ride the train free all season long. The railway is looking for new volunteers to work on the train crew. Immediate opportunities are to serve as a railway car host or in the train’s rolling store.
After certified training, you could serve as a brakeman, conductor or even an engineer. If you’d like to ride the train all season long, please send talk to any train crew member, or send an email to director@trainride.org.
since 1897 Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022
VOL. 124 NO. 37 www.osceolasun.com $1.00
PAGE SPORTS: Osceola tennis wins two out of three.
11
Allied Emergency Services presents Life Saver 2022 April awards at annual spaghetti fundraiser Election results BY NEALY CORCORAN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
April Election results are as follows: Polk County Supervisors District 8 Nancy Beck-200 Sharon Kelly-216 District 10 Tom Magnafici-297 Amy Middleton-347
District 14 Jon Bratt-340 Christopher (C.J) Simones-363 Town of Osceola (Wards 1-5) Jon Cronick-432 Debbie Thompson-323 Village of Osceola Trustee Bruce Gilliland-279 Deb Rose-353 Bill Chantelois (write-in) -64
Northwestern Wisconsin’s Premier Motorcycle Leather Store
208 2nd St. Osceola, WI • 715-294-4640
Osceola School District Jan Carlson-901 Liza Gibson- 800 Arvid Maki-799 Jeff Uzpen-955 Osceola School District Referendum Yes-274 No-200
Firefighters and First Responders from Dresser and Alden Fire were presented with Life Saver awards at Allied Emergency Service’s annual spaghetti fundraiser. The award is for First Responders who have performed a life saving event. First responders; Brian Breault, Matt and Jess Koch, Elliot McCarthy, Curt Millerman (Fire Station 1) received the Life Saver award. Nick Holt and Kevin Lietz (Fire Station 3) were also presented the award. There was a special mention to firefighter Denny O’Hearn. “O’Hearn was on vacation in Mexico and at a restaurant. While there another guest at the restaurant started choking. O’Hearn successfully preformed SEE ALLIED, PAGE 9
NEALY CORCORAN | THE SUN
Allied Emergency Services volunteers the annual spaghetti fundraiser.
Matt Koch, Mike Laughter and Tim
Stob helped serve at
ud Osceola school board says farewell to Pete Kammer Welcomes newly elected members BY NEALY CORCORAN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
Chocolates Fudge Caramels Peanut Brittle
Truffles Cookies
...and more! We make our sweet treats all from scratch! Goodies for the whole family! Large selection of chocolate suckers for the kids!
201 3rd Ave E, Lower Level • Osceola, WI • (651) 335-0189
Members of the Osceola school board bid a farewell to longtime school board member Pete Kammerud. April was the final meeting for Kammerud who announced last year he would not be seeking reelection. It was also the final meeting for Brian Meyer. All together Kammerud spent 45 years with
the school district. Kammerud worked in the transportation department and spent years as assistant coach for OHS football. Superintendent Mark Luebker presented Kammerud with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Certificate of Achievement and thanked him for his years of service with the school board association, the Osceola school board and the community in general. Kammerud thanked
SUBMITTED
School with several members of the Osceola Kammerud, fourth from left, is pictured Styles, Adam Retiring school board member, Pete Kammerud, Julie Bender, Dr. Becky Amanda Meyer, Lindsay Thomas, District Staff including Jessie Thorson, Luebker. Spiegel, Lynette Edwards and Mark
THE SUN SEE SCHOOL, PAGE 10
Your best source for Community Information
Page 14 • Railway News 2022
Railway passengers save at area destinations You might already be grumbling about the high price of gas to get to your train ride today. Everyone is feeling inflationary pain these days. But because of your train ride, you can save some money during your trip to Osceola and put a smile back on your face. For the second year, the Osceola Historical Society, the Railway, and the Chamber of Commerce have teamed up with support from Travel Wisconsin to bring you some extra savings on dining, shopping, lodging, and outdoor recreation. The businesses listed below are part of Choo Choo Specials. Just show your boarding pass or online train ticket to participating businesses and receive special promotional discounts. For more detailed information on each participating business and how much you can save, please visit in person, scan the QR code with your cellular phone, or go online to www.trainride.org.
Participating Choo Choo Specials Businesses • Adoray’s Treasures from the Heart • Braves Baseball Games • Caribou Coffee • The Carriage Coffee • Coming Home • The Chocolate Gnome • Chateau St. Croix Winery • Dragonfly Winery • Fowler Wine • Franconia Sculpture Park • Janies Cottage • The Looking Glass
• Red Bird Music Store • River Bluff Escape • River Valley Inn and Suites • Riverwood Canoe • St. Croix River Inn • The Sleepy Thicket • The Staple • Tell a Story Photography • Tippy Canoes • Trollhaugen Adventure Park • Uptown Gift Boutique • The Wild Violette
PY’s
Santa trades sleigh for train
Santa Claus is coming to town – BY TRAIN! Mark your calendars now to bring the kids for a visit with Santa at the Jackson Street Roundhouse in St. Paul. Santa’s Train Shop will be open on the first three Saturdays and Sundays in December. See Santa make his grand entrance into the roundhouse by train, aboard the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway. Kids can present their gift lists and have family pictures taken with the jolly old fellow. Make your Santa reservations at www.trainride.org.
Saloon & Grill Downtown Osceola WINNER: 2021
★ Best French Fries FINALIST:
of the Valley The Sun Country Messenger
★ Beer Selection ★ Hamburger ★ Happy Hour
Bikers Welcome! Deck Overlooking Cascade Falls & Parking in Back
Railway News 2022 • Page 15
Area tourism supported by Travel Wisconsin
SHARON: Romantic adventure on the SCV railway FROM PAGE 1
There was another full train waiting and I had duties. Several phone calls later that week resulted in our first date on Sunday and we’ve been dating ever since. On one of our first dates we learned that we live only 2 miles apart yet had never run into each other. We get a kick out of it when people ask us how long we’ve been married. We answer 76 years and love to see their reaction. We explain, Sharon was married 38 years and myself 38 years but not to each other. We were both widowed after 38 years of marriage and raising our families. One of those first dates I kiddingly told her if she wanted to see me on weekends she would have to volunteer on the train. Not too long after that we had a sold out dinner train and we were one server short. She volunteered to help and has been helping ever since. We both enjoy meeting and talking with people. Passengers are always so friendly on the train. We like working together and particularly like working the dining cars and special event trains. We have fun working the St Patrick’s Day and the Santa Trains at the Jackson Street Round House. We are anxiously looking forward to a “Wine Tasting Experience” on the train at Osceola. Several local wineries have agreed to come on board and present a “wine
SUBMITTED
Mark and Sharon wine tasting.
tasting event” as the train makes its afternoon run to Marine on St. Croix. Actually, one of the most fun jobs we did for the Museum and the OSCVR was to scout out wineries interested in teaming up with us on this adventure. When not helping on the train Sharon and I love to travel. We have been on several river cruises and a number of cross country road-trips. We are looking forward to trips to Alaska and Europe this year. For couples looking for a fun romantic afternoon, the train
might be perfect for you. The beautiful scenery of the St Croix River Valley along with the quiet and rhythmic sound of the train wheels passing over the joints between the rails, can be a mesmerizing experience. The distinct clickity-clack sound is soon to be a thing of the past as the rails are being replaced by continuous welded rails. We never get tired of hearing that sound. “Come volunteer with us on the railroad. You might just fine true love!”
Television advertising will once again bring more visitors to the Osceola region, and to ride the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway. The Wisconsin Tourism Agency, known as Travel Wisconsin has awarded a second year of funding to the Osceola Historical Society to promote both the railway and area businesses. The Historical Society works in partnership with the Minnesota Transportation Museum, which operates the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway. The $39,550 grant will contribute to a television advertising campaign valued at over $60,000. “The ads will run on several Twin Cities area television stations in July and August,” said Scott Hippert, executive director of the railway. The grant leverages inkind contributions from Hubbard Broadcasting, the The Sun Newspaper,
and Minnesota Transportation Museum. “Its purpose is to get area tourism businesses working together to jointly promote the amazing attractions of the region, including restaurants, hotels, shopping, and more,” said Hippert. The grant also calls for offering visitors something new in 2022. This year visitors will experience wine tasting trains in partnership with Wisconsin wineries, and a Depot Marketplace that showcases locally produced Wisconsin products sold by vendors outside of the Osceola Depot. “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Osceola Historical Society, Osceola Chamber of Commerce, The Sun Newspaper and a host of area businesses,” said Hippert. “We are grateful to Travel Wisconsin for their continued support!”
$3.00 OFF ANY BURGER BASKET BRING YOUR TRAIN TICKET STUB FOR DISCOUNT!
Daily Specials Best Burgers in Town! Special Events
2394 State Road 35 Osceola, WI • 715-294-2131
Page 16 • Railway News 2022