Issuu

Volume 17

Osceola, Wisconsin

Osceola St. Croix Valley Railway: Thirty years and counting helped keep the experience of passenger railroading alive for future generations and contributed to the growth of tourism in the region,” he said.

BY NEALY CORCORAN

Thirty years ago, the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway (OSCVR) made its way across the St. Croix River to begin offering vintage railway excursions to delighted passengers who boarded the train at the historic Soo Line Depot in Osceola, Wisconsin. Over these past 30 years a half million people have ridden the rails between Withrow, Minnesota and Amery, Wisconsin, the original route of the railway. The OSCVR continues to maintain a seasonal schedule operating between Osceola and Marine on St. Croix in Minnesota, and short scheduled trips to Dresser, Wisconsin. Last year, OSCVR had approximately 27,000 passengers enjoy a train ride through the valley, making it a one of the busiest seasons on record. Owned and operated by the Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM), located in Saint Paul, the OSCVR operates passenger service from

Partnerships

Passengers who attended the anniversary celebration wait to board the train for an evening excursion.

May through October on the “Withrow Sub” rail line that is owned by the Canadian National Railway.

At the time of the first train ride, the line was owned by the Wisconsin Central. “The commercial railroads have

been supportive and generous partners,” said Wayne Merchant, MTM chairperson. “Their partnership has

“Partnership has been at the heart of the OSCVR operation since the start,” said MTM/OSCVR Executive Director, Scott Hippert. “We partner with the local business communities in Osceola, Dresser, St. Croix Falls, and Marine on St. Croix to service the operation and provide amenities to our passengers,” he said. Hippert also noted that the partnership with the Osceola Historical Society, which owns the historic depot, has also been central to the operation’s success. “The Osceola Historical Society actually owns the depot in Osceola,” said Hippert. “During the operating season we lease the depot from them, we do SEE 30 YEARS, PAGE 2

The late Art Pew’s 100-ton baby is home BY DEBRA NEUTKENS

The 1912 Pullman railcar, affectionately known as Gritty Palace, rolled into the Jackson Street Roundhouse this summer to become part of the Minnesota Transportation Museum’s (MTM) permanent collection. The car’s trip north from Chicago was celebrated with an on-board, fourcourse dinner served to supporters who shared Pew’s passion for all things train by purchasing a one-way ticket on Gritty’s final leg home to the MTM.

It was the wish of the Pew family that Art’s private palace on wheels be displayed at one of his favorite places on Earth. If not for Pew, a Manitou Island resident who loved riding the rails, the museum wouldn’t exist, pointed out MTM Executive Director Scott Hippert. The Gritty Palace will become a signature piece of equipment for the nonprofit museum, Hippert said, and a crucial way to boost revenue. Their vision is to use the well-preserved Pullman for special events and possible

excursions near the Twin Cities. An exquisite representative of a bygone era, Gritty was purchased by Pew and a partner 54 years ago from the Rock Island Railway. The former executive car is in mint condition and fully Amtrak compatible. A 1968 Chicago Tribune feature entitled “Private Car Owners Go First Class” aptly described Gritty as “magnificently oldfashioned.” Mari Pew, the youngest of Art and Judy Pew’s four children, served as hostess on Gritty as the car made the

nine-hour trip from Chicago. Guests were instructed to stop by the Amtrak ticket counter at Union Station in the Windy City to say they were riding in a private coach attached to the Empire Builder. The “crew” handed out commemorative boarding passes as they embarked. Preparing the elegant meal for benefactors while the train rumbled along the tracks proved to be a challenge. “Our chef lost most of the au jus for SEE GRITTY PALACE, PAGE 8

Page 2 • Railway News 2023

30 YEARS: Osceola St. Croix Valley Railway celebrates three decades of train rides FROM PAGE 1

consider them our partners in this venture.” For the 2022 season, OSCVR partnered with local wineries to feature wine tasting excursions where passengers had the opportunity to enjoy seasonally prepared charcuterie paired with select wines. “We had no idea how successful that would be, but we would post the wine tasting trains on our ticketing site and within 48 hours they'd be sold out,” Hippert explained. “We've evolved a little bit from the first passenger dinner trains to a first class wine tasting experience, but people really, really enjoy it,” he said.

Volunteers The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway is a completely volunteer run operation. For the past 30 years, professionally trained volunteers have served as locomotive engineers, conductors, brakemen (women), car hosts and maintenance crews. “Where else can one volunteer their time

Longtime volunteer and locomotive engineer Nick Modders takes a moment to greet passengers before boarding the train.

to operate a full-scale train, develop such a strong bond with other volunteers, and meet thousands of wonderful people,” said Nick Modders, longtime OSCVR locomotive engineer and retired airline pilot. “All of us volunteers have so much fun riding the train all summer long,” he said. “We are a family of not just railroad enthusiasts. We are people who love being with people, love the St. Croix Valley, and get great satisfaction from the history we present and the smiles we see on

our passengers faces,” he said. Hippert added, “Everyone from the depot workers to locomotive engineers, conductors, car hosts, the folks that welcome our passengers on the train to those who provide food to them are almost all volunteers. We may hire one or two seasonal employees to help us out, but for the most part, this has been a labor of love for our volunteers.” The OSCVR is always welcoming new volunteers. “Right now, we are looking for people

During the 30-year anniversary celebration, a Great Northern Railway train waits for passengers to board for a trip through the St. Croix River Valley.

who love trains and people, would enjoy being trained in railroad operations and enjoy spending a season on the rails.” Anyone interested can

inquire at the Osceola Depot on weekends through October or contact Scott Hippert at scott@trainride.org Or send an email to office@trainride.org Call the Minnesota

Chocolates Fudge Caramels Peanut Brittle

Transportation Museum at (651) 228-0263 Visit https://transportationmuseum.org/volunteer/

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

Check out our Choo Choo Special on page 15!

WI & MN Licensed

Fuel up with us

Whether it’s charcoal, pellets or propane. We’re your neighborhood resource for grilling fuel

We’re at your service

From key cutting to screen repair, carpet cleaning rental to paint color matching we’re ready to serve you.

Synergy CandiHomes.com

YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT HEADQUARTERS

Bill’s Ace Hardware 202 Chieftrain St. Osceola WI • 715-294-3301

Candi Mueller & Joe Aspenson

Office: 715-294-4490 Candi: 612-644-7177 Joe :651-249-8782

Railway News 2023 • Page 3

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: 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 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 begin-

ning, 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

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

which the firm later grew 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

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 were successful, so too would be his railroad.

From Little Acorns...

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

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

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 silver-

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 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

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

smiths to cloth-dyers. They 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

ride. “William Crooks” resided at Jackson Street until 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.

Page 4 • Railway News 2023

THE ROUTE OF THE OSCEOLA AND ST. CROIX VALLEY RAILWAY 1. TROLLHAUGEN/MP 48.2: A family ski area that offers skiing and snowboarding. Enjoy 22 runs, a snow park and a half-pipe. 2. DRESSER/MP 47.7: This was once the busy junction between the railroad lines leading toward Duluth, Minnesota and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The name originated from Sam Dresser, who settled here in 1887 at the railroad junction. Dresser Junction later became Valley City, a name that only lasted less than two years. The railroad refused to recognize the name, which was a duplication of the name Valley City in North Dakota. The village later dropped the name “Junction” and is today known as Dresser. The depot area once housed a large coaling facility and a water tower. Both were used to supply the steam engines of the SOO line. Trains 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 leads to the Dresser Trap Rock plant. This line used to continue toward Superior, Wisconsin and Duluth, Minnesota. These tracks have been removed. The east leg of the wye leads to Trollhaugen Ski area. 3. OSCEOLA INDUSTRIAL PARK/MP 44.3: The spur track leads into the Industrial Park. When the park was established it was felt that a spur would be needed to supply the industries, but the only use of the tracks has been to store equipment. 4. OSCEOLA VILLAGE/MP 42.8: The river town was first known as Leroy and Bluff ville. The name then changed to Osceola Mills before being shortened to Osceola. The first St. Croix riverboat was built in Osceola in 1854. Osceola housed the first Polk County post offi ce, schoolhouse, gristmill, jail and courthouse. Cascade 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 National Register of Historic Places. 5. OSCEOLA DEPOT/MP 42.8 The wire cut brick depot was built in 1916. Besides this large building, the area housed a starch factory (potato starch) elevators, cattle holding area and box factory. The 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. 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. 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 Agriculture farm. 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 cabin is privately owned. ROCK SLIDE: 22 cars of ballast were hauled into this location after a heavy rain washed out a lot of the dirt on the bank. PIPE FOR SPRING WATER/MP 39.9: Trains would stop and fill their water bottles from this cold running spring. 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 Railroad as part of its Minneapolis to Sault Ste. Marie mainline. This route carried passenger traffic until 1961. Th is rail line was sold to the Wisconsin Central Railroad, which was subsequently bought out by the Canadian National Railroad in 2001. The major user of the bridge today is the Osceola & Saint Croix Valley Railway, a tourist railroad line run by the Minnesota Transportation Museum. The Saint Croix River was once a major working river, carrying both boat traffic and 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 times, there is no longer river navigation, and the logging industry is played out. The 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 fixed span. The wooden trestles have since been replaced with concrete piers and steel 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 bridge. Even by water, it is a long trip from civilization. EAGLE NEST/MP 38: Located in the lone pine at milepost 38. Eagles are different from many other birds of prey mainly by their larger size, more powerful build, and heavier head and beak. Even the smallest eagles, like the Booted Eagle (which is comparable in size to a Common Buzzard or Red-tailed Hawk),

have relatively longer and more evenly broad wings, and more direct, faster flight. Most eagles are larger than any other raptors apart from the vultures. Like all birds of prey, eagles have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong muscular legs, and powerful talons. They also have extremely keen eyesight which enables them to spot potential prey from a very long distance. This keen eyesight is primarily accomplished by their extremely large pupils which ensure minimal diff raction (scattering) of the incoming light. Eagles build their nests, called eyries, in tall trees or on high cliffs. Many species lay two eggs, but the older, larger chick frequently kills its younger sibling once it has hatched. The dominant chick tends to be the female, as they are bigger than the male. The parents take no action to stop the killing. 10. OTISVILLE/MP 36.8: a former community and railroad stop located in Washington County at latitude 45.247 and longitude –92.765. The elevation is 797 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. 95 BRIDGE: Minnesota State Highway 95 is a highway in east-central Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with State Highway 23 near St. Cloud and continues east and south to its southern terminus at its intersection with U.S. Highways 61/ 10 (co-signed) at Cottage Grove. Th is highway has two distinct segments (East/West section and a North/South section) that meet at Taylors Falls. Highway 95 is 128 miles (206 km) in length and passes through the cities of Princeton, Cambridge, North Branch, Taylors Falls, Stillwater, and Lakeland. Minnesota Highway 95 is also known as the Minnesota St. Croix Scenic Byway. 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 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 office were located here. Only a few concrete foundations remain in the fields. Look closely and you may be able to locate the depot platform. RUSTY CARS/MP 35.5: Abandoned automobiles lying along the track. 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 off ers 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 fl ag a train and take a ride. 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 run on the top of this tunnel. 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 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 pine. They named the mill after their hometown of Marine, Illinois. The mill began 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 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, footings of the buildings are still visible. The Marine Mill site is now a historic site operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. The city retains several historic sites in addition to the Marine Mill, such as the General Store, built in 1870; the Stone House Museum, built in 1872; the Village Hall, 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 the State of Minnesota. MARINE OVERLOOK/MP 32.1: The view looking into the valley here is breathtaking, especially during the fall leaf viewing season. MAPLE ISLAND/MP 28.2: is a community or populated place located in 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. 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 of Hugo, Grant and May Township in Washington County. As such, it is currently considered a distinct residential area and business district rather than an official village or township. It is home to the Withrow Ballroom, a restaurant—bar, and an elementray school. At this junction the Dresser Subline officially ends and the CN mainline begins.

Railway News 2023 • Page 5

The Route of the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway to St. Croix Falls

to Chisago City

3 4 5 6 7

8 9

Guide to to businesses businesses sponsoring Guide sponsoring this this publication: publication: CHOO CHOO SPECIALS - page 15 Taylors Falls Romayne’s – Page 6 Taylors Falls Marine OnRecreationSt. Croix Page 9 Wild Mountain – Page Crabtrees - page 9 9 Marine General Store - page 14 St. Croix Falls Dallas House Motel - Page 2 North Branch St North Croix Regional Hospital Medical - Page 10 Ridge Winery - page 9 Chisago City Osceola Erumen Point Pleasant Heights- Page 2 Bill’s Ace Hardware - page 2 Cascade BP - page 14 Dresser The Chocolate Gnome - page 2 Dresser Food & Liquor Page 2 Croixland Leather Page - page The Village Pizzeria6 11 Crystal Ball Farms - page 10 Lundgren Real Estate - page 8 Amery Magnolias - page 9 Center- Page 6 Amery Regional Medical Osceola Lanes - page 12 PY’s Saloon & Grill - page 13 Osceola RE/MAX Valley Spirits-Synergy Page 2 - page 2 River Real Valley Inn &Candi Suites - page Page 11 3 Re/Max Estate, MuellerBPSt. Cascade Oil CompanyPage Croix Vineyards - page 83 Bill’s AceCanoes HardwarePage Tippy - page 8 6 Krooked Page Valley Kreek SpiritsGolf- page 6 8 Croixland Leather –- Page Village Pizzeria page810 Osceola LanesPage 8 Watershed Café - page 11 Osceola Chamber of Commerce – Page 12 Willberg Memorial/Osceola Library - page 6 Woodhill Bar & Grill - page 7 Marine on St. Croix Security ShaferState Bank of Marine- Page 7

to Scandia

10 11 12

Pleasant Valley Orchard - page 14 Scandia Scandia Olde Town Liquor- Page 4 Spooner Security State Bank of Marine- Page 7 Spooner Train - pages 1 and 16

114 Depot Road • Osceola, WI Call 715-755-3570 for more information • www.trainride.org

Page 6 • Railway News 2023

History, elegance and romance in the River Valley BY NEALY CORCORAN

Wine tasting excursions are back by popular demand on the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway (OSCVR). For the 2023 season, OSCVR is once again partnering with local wineries to offer passengers a scenic 90-minute round-trip ride through the Saint Croix River Valley between Osceola, Wis. and Marine on Saint Croix, Minn., featuring wine tastings and food pairings from select local wineries. “This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the romance and elegance of first-class railroading,” said Sharon Ilgen, who helps organize the event. Last year, Ilgen and Mark Quesnel, both volunteers, spent weeks at area wine tastings to choose the finest local wines for the excursions, which was, “an unprecedented success for OSCVR,” said Quesnel. “All wine tasting dates for June sold out at least one month before the train even started running for the season,” he said. This year, participating wineries include returning wineries: Fowler Winery (Hudson, WI) and Dancing Dragonfly (St. Croix Falls, WI). New wineries for the 2023 season include: Forestville Wines (River Falls, WI), North Folk Winery (Harris, MN), Northern Hollow Winery (Grasston, MN), North Ridge Winery (North Branch, MN) and St. Croix Valley Vineyards (Stillwater, MN). “The wine tasting train excursions is all part of an effort to partner with other area businesses to show all the remarkable ways passengers can enhance their visit to Western Wisconsin,” said Scott Hippert, executive director for OSCVR. The excursions are scheduled Saturdays and Sundays from June through September. Robert Fowler of Fowler Winery is looking forward to another season on the railway. 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 Fowler. “We focus on traditional, old-world wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Blends.” “I am really excited to pour our wines on the train rides again,” he said. “There is also an emotional component for me as well. Between

my father and grandfather, I come from family of railroad enthusiasts.” Fowler grew up in Sioux City, Iowa. At the time, there were three major railways that traveled through the area. “Trains have been a part of my whole life. My grandfather 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,” he said. “They would both get a kick out of the fact that I am serving handmade wines on a train.” For more information including a winery schedule, and to book reservations, please go to www.trainride.org Or visit https://transportationmuseum.org/train-rides/wine-trainmarine/

SPECIALTY BEERS • FINE WINE DISCOUNT LIQUORS

209 Chieftain Street - 1 block east at the stoplight

OPEN DAILY 9AM - 9PM • (715)294-4240

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK FOR WEEKLY SPECIALS!

Robert Fowler, founder of the Fowler Winery in Hudson, WI.

Railway News 2023 • Page 7

Gourmet on a Stick (or Beam) BY SCOTT HIPPERT

What does a 103-year-old building and a serving platter have in common? They are one in the same! When a sprinkler system failure flooded part of the Jackson Street Roundhouse in 2018, an entire vintage ceiling had to be removed, including massive beams made of native Minnesota Douglas Fir. The beautiful wood sat untouched for several years, until volunteers at the Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) began talking about operating Beer Tasting Trains earlier this year. “The intent is provide our passengers with a first-class experience of tasting fine locally-brewed beers, paired with some locally produced cheeses, meats, and other gourmet items, while riding in a first-class vintage coach on our railway” said Warren Plaisance, an MTM volunteer and event organizer. Into the strategy meeting walks Bill Hawley, a longtime volunteer who runs the woodworking shop at the roundhouse. “I have a great idea,” said Bill. “We have all of this Douglas Fir out back, how about serving our passengers with custom made charcuterie trays?”

The idea stuck, while Bill and his team of volunteer woodworkers set about the task of whittling down the huge beams into single piece charcuterie trays, branded with the MTM or Osceola St. Croix Valley Railway (OSCVR) logos. “Once we got the design made and the equipment set, it was an easy task,” said Bill “Our team built quite the effective assembly line.” The charcuterie boards are custom cut, sealed with a food grade oil and branded with a logo in the Jackson Street Roundhouse blacksmith shop. They will be used to serve gourmet food pairings to tables of OSCVR passengers, once the beer tasting trains are ready to roll later this year or in 2024. “It’s amazing what a group of creative volunteers can conjure up when they put their minds to it,” said Bill. “We have taken elements of a historic building and given them new purpose and a future.” Beer tasting trains are currently in the strategic plan for both the OSCVR and the Jackson Street Roundhouse, and expected to start later this year. In the meantime, you can view a beautiful charcuterie board on display in the Osceola Depot.

OSCVR volunteer Bill Hawley pictured with one of the handmade charcuterie trays.

$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 8 • Railway News 2023

GRITTY PALACE: Pullman railcar to become part of museum’s permanent collection

Passengers enjoying a glass of Champagne during a train trip on the Gritty Palace. FROM PAGE 1

the prime rib,” laughed Mari. Servers were also careful to only fill wine glasses a quarter full so the wine didn’t splash out. With the proper advance planning, the land yacht took the Pew family on many memorable summer vacations to Anywhere, USA. “Rather than hopping in a car, we hopped on Gritty,” recalled Mari. “We sat

on milk cans on the back observation platform and waved to people or played with puppets in the windows. We would make our way forward through the passenger cars going from one end to another. It was always an adventure.” Her parents loved to entertain and would often host parties on Gritty from St. Paul to Duluth and back before that route ended. One of those parties was featured in

the White Bear Press back in November 1977. Apparently, Art was a man of many talents, as he is pictured playing banjo in a singalong with Ned Potter on accordion. Her late dad’s dream was to share Gritty with the world, Mari said. “Dad loved and adored this place,” added Mari, who is following in Art’s footsteps as an active volunteer at the MTM. The heart of the St. Paul museum is the

2021

of the Valley The Sun Country Messenger

Daily Specials Weekly Music & Events Happy Hour Specials Outdoor Seating

1020 North Cascade St • Osceola, WI tippycanoes.com

Lundgren Real Estate

Over 29 years serving the St. Croix River Valley, Licensed in WI & MN. Office 715-294-4373 • Cell 651-308-2221 • jeanlundgren.com

The late Art and Judy Pew stand on the platform of the Gritty Palace. Their beloved dark green, 1912 Pullman has a permanent home at the Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM).

Jackson Street Roundhouse, built in 1907 as a locomotive repair facility by James J. Hill, founder of the Great Northern Railway. The roundhouse, in fact, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another piece of trivia: The railroad-rich Twin Cities once had 28 roundhouses. MTM volunteer Kurt Mahre, board vice president and soon-toretire Amtrak conductor, worked with Art one day a month for years at the museum. “Art is why we’re here today,” Mahre said. “He gave us the roundhouse. He gave us the car. He was our financial benefactor for 50 years. We wouldn’t exist if not for his generosity.” Gritty almost took a different track before it ended up at the museum. After Judy died, the coach, then relocated to North Carolina, was listed for sale with Ozark Mountain Railcar. Mari’s scrapbook contains a 2018 email from Ozark’s CEO, who informed Art they had received an offer of $425,000 from (film

director) Francis (Ford) Coppola. They didn’t accept it. That twist of fate turned out to be a godsend for the MTM. “After dad passed, we called Scott (Hippert) and offered him money for a new roundhouse roof or Gritty. Without hesitation, he said, ‘we want the car,’” Mari said. Gritty is appraised at $750,000. Her wish, and that of her siblings, is that Gritty becomes a vital resource for the train museum. “We want Gritty to give back to this organization. This is an incredible, wonderful place with wonderful history. Dad would want the car to help keep this going,” noted Mari, who still lives in White Bear Lake. For train buffs who may not have discovered the volunteer-run MTM, it contains an amazing collection of antique locomotives, both steam and diesel, unique passenger cars and myriad exhibits showcasing railroad history. There is a drover’s car on exhibit,

for example, which transported cowboys accompanying cattle traveling by train. Their job was to get the animals on and off for water every day. A 1905 business car owned by James J. Hill and donated by his greatgrandson is undergoing restoration for future exhibition. Volunteers do all the work. The museum’s executive director said Gritty will be used as a way to preserve Art and Judy Pew’s legacy. “They did so much to create this organization and this museum,” Hippert said. “Art expressed to me shortly before he passed that he wants to give people opportunity to experience first-class rail travel. He had so many wonderful experiences and memories riding in that car.” Art Pew had a long career in the railroad industry, choosing it as his major avocation rather than join the family business in Philadelphia. He died in 2020 at age 87, five years after Judy. In a tribute to his father that ran in “The Osceola-St. Croix Valley Railway News,” their son Arthur “Chip” Pew IV shared how Art’s love for trains never diminished. After retiring as director of purchasing for Burlington Northern, he shared how Art strategically placed a spotting scope looking out over the lake. It was not to enjoy nature, but to catch a glimpse of Minnesota Commercial or Canadian Pacific trains rolling through White Bear. Pew was the ultimate railroad enthusiast, wrote Chip. “He considered his role in life was to keep alive the spirit of railroad in people’s minds.”

Railway News 2023 • Page 9

In Remembrance

Heiderich

Strey

BY SCOTT HIPPERT

he shared his incredible knowledge of railway lore. Heiderich passed away on May 7th of this year.

The volunteers of the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway extend our deepest condolences for the loss of two of our railway legends over these past few months.

Ronald “Scott” Heiderich

Heiderich was an integral member of the Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) and OSCVR since the 1960’s. He loved trains and streetcars, and was active in both the train and streetcar museums in the Twin Cities. Heiderich was seen often serving as a car host on the OSCVR, and perhaps more visible as the self-appointed monitor of the Osceola Depot parking lot. After following his very directive instructions for parking, children, while riding the train, would be nurtured by his grandfatherly spirit as

Walter Strey

Strey was a long-time fixture inside the NP 1102 railway post office car. Over the course of several decades, he shared his stories of life as a railway post office worker. After his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Strey worked as a railway car mail clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. He went on to a career in law enforcement, working for the Hudson, Wisconsin Police Department and the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department. In his retirement, Strey returned to service as a railway post office clerk on the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway (OSCVR). He passed away on April 23, 2023.

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 its Osceola Days. 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. 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 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. There as 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 anxiousSEE SHARON, PAGE 12

Marine On St. Croix 651-433-2593

9 - 5:30 Mon. - Sat. • 11 - 5 Sunday • OPEN ALL YEAR

25 varieties of wine available for sampling and purchase!

651-674-0049

info@northridgewinery.com 7750 Hwy 95 NE North Branch, MN Tasting Room Hours: Friday & Saturday: Noon - 8pm Sunday: Noon - 6pm

Bottle Sales: Mon-Sat: Noon-8pm Sun: Noon-6pm

Now Open in Downtown Osceola Home of great clothing in natural fibers from ethical companies that are American, European, or Fair Trade. • Hand-dyed wool fabrics, quilt cotton fabrics and yarns for fiber arts, rug hooking, wool applique, quilting, knitting, and crocheting • Beginner classes available and year-round inspirational groups

111 N Cascade Street, Osceola • 715-781-5276 • MagnoliasPaulette@gmail.com magnoliaspaulette.com • Wednesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Best Selection of bird feeders and custom bird seed mix in the Valley.

Page 10 • Railway News 2023

Dresser Depot offers a sweet experience BY NEALY CORCORAN AND SCOTT HIPPERT

Most Saturday’s from late May through October, the historic Soo Line Depot in Dresser, Wisconsin opens its doors to passengers of the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway (OSCVR). The round-trip excursion from Osceola presents a history lesson in commercial railroad operations, as the train passes businesses once served by the former Soo Line and Wisconsin Central railroads. The Dresser Depot is now owned by the Canadian National Railway (CNR) and leased by the Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) for use by OSCVR. “The Dresser excursion is a chance to explore a very interesting depot that dates back to the late 1800s,” said Bob Puelston, OSCVR railroad superintendent. The ride is perfect for young children. In 2023 the OSCVR is sweetening up the experience by offering passengers free ice-cream bars at the station. “The ice-cream comes from Schwans and are really good,” said Puelston. “We want to highlight this trip as a great experience, and also wanted to offer something special at the destination,” he said.

The junction between then and now Originally built in 1887, Dresser Depot served as a junction to the Soo Line Railroad. The story begins with local farmer Sam Dresser, who donated the land with the vision of establishing a farming community that

would be served by the railroad. Soon afterward people began building homes in the area. For a moment it was known as Valley Junction. Since there was already a Valley Junction in North Dakota, the name was officially changed to Dresser Junction. By 1940 the village shortened the name to Dresser. Today, the Wisconsin Central Railroad runs only trap rock through Dresser. “Dresser Depot was a busy junction,” said Brian Knudtson, engineering administrative assistant with the Twin Cities Division of Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway (BNSF). “The station was open 24 hours a day and had trains going north, east and west.” Knudtson has worked for BNSF for approxi-

mately 33 years. In addition to his administrative work for BNSF, he currently serves as caretaker for the Dresser Depot, a job that had been in the back of his mind for years. While growing up, his father worked for the Milwaukee Soo Line Railroad. This led to a career for Knudtson and a lifetime of collecting all things related to the trains. He attended Inver Hills Community College and received his degree in Transportation Management, “Railroads weren’t hiring at the time,” he said. He found his first job out of college with BNSF in Boston. Throughout the years he worked in management and administration. From Boston he transferred to Milwaukee and eventually found a job back home in Minnesota. “Back in 2006 while

working for BNSF,” he explained, “I had a phone call with a gentleman from the Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM). While we were talking I joked

around and told him that the MTM should get the old Dresser Depot restored.” It just so happens that during that phone call Knudtson learned there

was an actual discussion between MTM and Canadian National Railway (CN) about the possibility of leasing or donating the building to the MTM. Kundtson mentioned that he had all different types of equipment and collectibles from a replica depot that he and his dad had built that had since been packed up and put in storage. “This was a perfect opportunity,” said Knudtson. “Give me the keys and let me be the caretaker of the place.” Later that year in December 2006, he received an email from MTM announcing that the museum was going to lease the Dresser Depot from CN. One phone call led to another and a meeting was held in March 2007. “At that meeting we talked about what the plan was for the Depot moving forward.” In the spring and summer of 2007 restoration SEE DEPOT, PAGE 11

Original baggage claim tickets used by train passengers traveling the Soo Line railway.

• Glass Bottled Milk • Cream • Half & Half

• Specializing in homemade pizza • Extensive menu including American & Italian cuisine • Private banquet facilities available • Catering for all occasions • Dine in or take-out • Family-friendly atmosphere • Gluten-free pizza available

101 State Road 35 S. • Dresser, WI 715-755-2900 • www.thevillagepizzeria.net

• Slow Churned, Hand Packed Butter • Ice Cream • Raw Milk Cheese • Pasteurized Cheese • Cheese Curds Looking into the future of Dairy

Plus Additional Products

527 WI-35, Osceola • 715-294-4090

Railway News 2023 • Page 11

The Soo Line Depot as it currently stands in Dresser, Wisconsin on the corner of W State Street and S Polk Avenue. The depot will be open most Saturdays from May through October for passengers of the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway.

A look into the past of the Soo Line Depot in Dresser, Wisconsin. The depot was built originally in 1887 and stands today as a piece of history in the development of the Village of Dresser.

DEPOT: Dresser location was operational and manned by a crew until 1987 FROM PAGE 10

began. “We found a local volunteer to paint the inside and outside of the depot. The local hardware store at the time donated all the Valspar paint that was used,” he said. “We redid the wiring so it was up to code and I moved all of my stuff in. Knudtson explained, “My dad knew everyone, so years ago when the Soo Line started to close all their de-

pots, he helped me get all this stuff. And, a lot of friends and people I know understand that I’m into collectibles so they call me when and if they find things. Everything in this depot is part my collection.” From the original desks to telephones, typewriters and a ticket case from the Soo Line Depot in Nichols, Wisconsin - the building and old equipment transports you back in time - there are tickets, ticket

stamps, record books, train logs, pictures, posters, old lockers for crew members, and even an old bench that Knudtson and his dad refinished. “I was really impressed because it typically takes years to restore a depot but with the help of MTM we were able to get Dresser Depot restored within six months,” he said. “Considering the depot was built in 1887, the building is pretty sound.”

Up until 1987, Knudtson said there was a freight agent/train order operator and a small crew that still worked at the depot. “The track in Dresser was owned by the Soo Line and was used as a through freight route. Wisconsin Central purchased the track in the fall of 1987. At that time, they stopped running it as a freight route, but trains still ran trap rock and logging routes.”

By 1998 most routes were abandoned. Nowadays, OSCVR offers passengers the chance to ride a vintage train through the picturesque Wisconsin countryside to Dresser for ice cream and a tour of the depot, before boarding the train for the trip back to Osceola. To reserve tickets on the Dresser Ice-Cream Express, go to trainride.org.

Northwestern Wisconsin’s Premier Motorcycle Leather Store

208 2nd St. Osceola, WI • 715-294-4640 715-294-4060 888-791-0022

www.osceolarivervalleyinn.com info@osceolarivervalleyinn.com

POOL & HOT-TUB HOT BREAKFAST 65” TV FRIDGE / MICROWAVE BAR & GRILL RESTAURANT - NEXT DOOR

Sustainably-sourced, simply good food

breakfast

lunch

dinner

99 North Cascade Street, Osceola, WI 1030 N Cascade St • Osceola, WI 54020

www.thewatershedcafe.com

Page 12 • Railway News 2023

Patio Open Evenings and Weekends

• Burgers & Fries • Broasted Chicken

Mark and Sharon enjoyed working the dinner train together.

SHARON: Romance and adventure

• Chicken Wings • Tacos

FROM PAGE 9

3 for $7 All day & night Tuesday & Thursday

• Breakfast

ly 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 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

Cheese Curds ............................$9.00

Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. - Noon

Ellsworth White Cheese Curds taste like no other because they come from 30,000 cows on 450 family farms in Wisconsin and Minnesota

• Drink Specials

715-294-2275 • 104 N. Cascade Street From the Train Depot - Go North on 35/Cascade St., first building past Noah Insurance (patio out back)

Back Roads Winter 2022/23

CREEK BIG ROCK l Holiday Event Annua

Page 12

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 clickityclack 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!”

SMALL TOWN WISCO-SOTA

Back Roads Summer 2023

BROOKSIDE BA A historic loca

R & GRILL

l gathering plac

en path • Bar & grill off the beat te about local history • Collector passiona business • Friends in fashion start tree farm • Nativity manger at

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

e Page 20

Focusing on LOCAL Features, Happenings, and Special Interests in your area Published twice annually. For Advertising Opportunities, Call:

• Family y owned maple syrup compan y • More tha th han n just a golf cou rse • An Arch hitect’s Ske kettch chb boo ook k • Auction n house celebr ebra ate tess 15 years

The Sun/Messenger 715-294-2314 Burnett County Sentinel 715-463-2341 Amery Free Press 715-268-8101 Baldwin Bulletin 715-684-2484

Distributed at all of our Sentinel Publications locations COUNTRY

AMERY

BALDWIN

Railway News 2023 • Page 13

Coach Class Service Coach Trains

since Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley

Coach Trains, operating through October 26, 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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2023

1897

VOL. 125 NO. 44 www.osceolasun.com $1.00

SPORTS: Osceola track wins Regional. PAGE 13

Osceola School District lunch prices upped by 10 cents

Pizza Trains

Pizza Trains operate most Saturdays through mid September, 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!

Breakfast prices to remain the same as food service continues to look for more revenue BY RAYMOND T. RIVARD RAY@SENTINELMEDIA.NET

NEALY CORCORAN | THE SUN

er Stairway to Cascade Falls opens in time for summ

Fall Color Train Fall Color Trains operate Sept. 16 through Oct. 29 and treat our guests to an explosion of color along our 90-minute run through the St. Croix River Valley.

Following approximately 18 months to Cascade Falls.

of closure due to safety concerns,

the Village of Osceola has reopened

the staircase

Village planning commission reviews developer’s revised site proposal

Pumpkin Express Train

Pumpkin Express Trains operate October 20-22 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!

BY NEALY CORCORAN EDITOR@OSCEOALSUN.COM

A ﬁnal review of a mixed use retail and apartment development on the former site of Osceola Medical Center will take place next month. Planning commissioners for the Village of Osceola had the chance to review Gaughan

Companies revised proposal for redevelopment of the of the former Osceola hospital site. The proposal includes applications for three conditional use permits (CUP). “Tonight is the preliminary site review,” explained Village Administrator Devin Swanberg. “This meeting is an opportunity for commissioners to have a

dialogue with the developers… this follows a month-long process by village staff to make sure the updated proposal for this project meets our ordinances and code. The ﬁnal review will be at the meeting in June,” he said. John Harris of Harris Architects and Sean Bohan, an

will pay 10 cents Osceola School District students after the board of more per-lunch next school year a recommendation education asked for and received Mayer on how Susan Director Service Food from . best to help the lunch program would recommend “If you were sitting up here and would be your recoma change in lunch prices, what Kulzer asked mendation?” Board President Brooke of Mayer. for lunch and “I would recommend the 10 cents … “I will still be leave breakfast as-is,” Mayer said but I think that’s fighting and trying to find money, the budget … my best compromise dealing with ity and the financial trying to understand commun needs,” she added. next year came The setting of lunch prices for indicated the after a presentation by Mayer that of years, namedistrict did well over the past couple reimbursement ly because of COVID and the high ent sources governm from rates the district received during that time. during the 2020-21 The number of lunches served because all said, Mayer higher, also and 2021-22 were were free for stulunches during those two years dents. tion (ADP) participa daily average the In 2021-22, average daily numfor breakfast was 583, while the ber of lunches served was 1,126. 10% for lunches in Those numbers dropped about

SEE VILLAGE, PAGE 6

SEE SCHOOL, PAGE 2

ical theater awards Osceola High School students nominated for mus

Upgrade to a Combination Ride

Overture Center for the Arts announced ew and crew t day that castt and today la O ceola Osceol bers from Osceo member e been been h h l have gh School High H ards awar d for awards minated nominat nomina d A Awa Je y Awards h its Jerry h through throug program. progr f afnamed af r The program, philana philan area Madison-are ter Madison supp td arts suppor th pistt and thropi er W. Jerome Frautschi, g izess recognize ges, recogn ages, encourag encour e

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!

Outstanding Lead Actor: Hazel Wicklund cAc L dA ding Lead O tstanding Outsta lie Allmlie in A t Gavin tor: SupportSupp di g Suppor Outstanding fer i Giefer Actor: Aria i g Act ing i di g Scenic nd O t nding Outsta el mpe ail Tempel gail g : Abig D ign Des Design DiM ic Di ing Music O tstanding Outstand Outsta Langer Brady Langer n: Brady rection: rectio ion: D Direct di g Di O t t nding Outsta Scott Murdock DeDe g Light g ing nding Outstand Outsta O

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 on page 15

Watch for Special Events and Thursday Rides

Your best source for Community Information

www.TrainRide.org

Saloon & Grill Downtown Osceola WINNER: ★ Best Beer Selection

2022

of the Valley The Sun Country Messenger

★ Best Hamburger ★ Best French Fries FINALIST: ★ Best Bar ★ Best Cheese Curds ★ Best Bloody Mary ★ Best Place to Watch Sports

Bikers Welcome! Deck Overlooking Cascade Falls & Parking in Back

Page 14 • Railway News 2023

STRAWBERRIES • APPLES PUMPKINS • BAKERY • FAMILY FUN

ATM Machine BP Driver Rewards Deli & Fresh Baked Goods Fresh Perks Card Fuel Points Open until 10:00 p.m. Daily

715-294-4086 • 35 and 243, Osceola

17325 Pleasant Valley Road Shafer, MN

Then and Now, we cater to our customers needs!

651-257-9159

www.pleasantvalleyorchard.com

101 Judd St • Marine on St. Croix, MN 651-433-2445 • Marinegeneralstore.com COUNTRY

since Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023

1897

VOL. 125 NO. 44 www.osceolasun.com $1.00

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia,

meet. PAGE 11 SPORTS: Uddin ﬁnishes third in 400 at State track

BY NEALY CORCORAN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

SAM NIEBELING | THE SUN

The Osceola High School girls track

ship on Saturday.

and ﬁeld team won the State Champion

state record. The numhistory. ber of season and career Osceola finished with personal records were off 50 points, while Rice the charts. 43. with second took Lake “This group of girls, third placed d Shorewoo freshman through se2-3 at June held 38 with BY JASON SCHULTE niors poured everything Crosse. UW-La SENTINELSPORTS48@GMAIL.COM they had into the success “I can’t possibly of the team throughout put into words what The dream season for the year and that effort I watched unfold this the Osceola girls track was rewarded with the year,” OHS coach Theand field team got its pinnacle of achievement Ellefson explained. resa ending. storybook in our sport at the high remained unde“We brought s Chieftain The school level.” throughout the feated State 2 Division the home Twenty-eight of those season, established four Track and Field Champi50 points came from school records and a onship, the first in school new

OHS girls track win ﬁrst team title in program history

Elletta Uddin, who individually, was a state champion in the 100 (14.34 seconds) and 300 hurdles (43.56). The 300 hurdles time is a new state record. She also placed second in the high jump at 5-5. “She is an extremely talented athlete but at the same time very committed to perfecting her craft,” Ellefson said.

Random acts of kindness come in many forms. For Kevin Louden, a local musician, that means restoring instruments for an old friend. Last year, a ﬁre destroyed a building downtown Osceola, which was home to Red Bird Music Store. “No one was hurt but the building is a total loss,” said Bob Brace, who’s owned the music store for the past nine years. “When I heard about the ﬁre, I was devastated for Bob and wanted to do something,” said Louden, who met Brace years ago when he was

playing with the Sue Orfield Band out of Eau Claire, Wis. “I saw that he was trying to salvage whatever instruments he could after the ruin, so I asked Bob if I could clean up one the guitars that was destroyed in the fire, and he agreed. The guitars have a lot of heat and moisture damage, so I started not really knowing what was going to come of it,” he said. “It takes me about 24 hours to restore each guitar. I take them apart, clean them up, decide what can be preserved and figure out what parts need to be replaced. Then I SEE INSTRUMENTS, PAGE 8

SEE TRACK, PAGE 11 CONTRIBUTED

Before and after photos of a guitar Bird Music Store.

restored from Red

Anderson returns as editor ditor of The The new edit MesCounttry Mes d Coun and S an Sun d ditor. editor is an old edi se g is senger n who d son, M tt Anderso Matt 19 editor in 2019 d as editor served an ga 20 began l 2020, and early 30 rk May 30. work wife his wife, on, his Anderson Anders ld old year y e on d yl and Kylee son Graydon, live in the Osceola. off Osceola Town o

Anderson Anderson

in B rn in Born d rd, Rockford is Illinois Illino Illi i the in S di h Swedish Swedis an m Americ h pitall hospit where t h other the members famof his fam

on ere born, Anderson il we ily ton Rocktton, d in Rock ra r ised as rai was h off small town north a small d eived d He recei R kford. Rockfo from from eg h degree lish lis gli an Eng a n l ge, In leg College, rthage C Carth Cartha n. consin. consin Wisconsi K nosha, Wis Kenosha Kenosh ked as worked on wor Anderson Anders i ldwin Bald dit off tthe B editor Bulletin in 2018 and 2019 g the Sun ng joining before jjoini

r. ger. Messenge t y Messen nd Country and time, I his spare time In h g, hing, hing oys fishi oy d on enjjoys nde Anders as cribes describes h des hich he which t ide off Outsid “O “Outs ssi ssion. passion hi p his t g, ting, fish g, I love writing fishing doors outdoors the out d th music, and music son Anderson eral,” Ander general in gen id said. EDITOR,, PAGE 8 SEE EDITOR

$.75 VOL. 40 NO. 5º ww w.countrymessenger.com

June NEWS: Highway 95 road closure to begin in early

Local musician restoring instruments after ﬁre at music store

Track State Champions

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2023

May Township

. PAGE 10

Survey, other projects to be performed at Mill Stream BY NEALY CORCORAN EDITOR@COUNTRYMESSENGER.COM

CONTRIBUTED

capitol Arts & Heritage Center in a statewide $2.2 million for the Water Tower Barn The Minnesota legislature included rendering of the wetland overlook. Scandia Heritage Alliance design investment bill. Image is from the

State legislature awards millions of dollars for Scandia projects

Scandia residents and city ofﬁcials praised the Minnesota Legislature’s decision to include $2.2 million for the Water Tower a Barn Arts & Heritage Center in statewide capital investment bill that came together in the ﬁnal session. hours of the The bill is now heading to Gov. Walz’s desk for signature, expected without delay. A joint project of the City of Scandia and Scandia Heritage Alliance, the Arts & Heritage Center includes space to celebrate Scandia’s rich history, an outdoor amphitheater, a splash pad play area for kids, and a wetland overlook and trails. “We are grateful to Sen. Karin

reHousley, Rep. Josiah Hill, and tired Rep. Bob Dettmer for their bipartisan efforts to make this project a reality,” said Scandia Mayor Christine Maefsky. “It’s only through their critical efforts that we are celebrating this moment.” The legislature also ﬁnanced another long-held goal for the city, awarding $2.68 million for construction of a Gateway Trail extension through Scandia, part of the omnibus environment and natural resources bill. The project includes 1 mile of trail starting from the Scandia Village Center with a tunnel under Oakhill Road. Funding for the last mile of trail to connect into

William O’Brien State Park will of be applied for after completion this segment. “Approval of Gateway funding years six of ion was the culminat f of hard work,” said Mayor Maefve sky, who credited the cooperati efforts of city and legislative the County, ton Washing ofﬁcials, Bill t consultan DNR, ta Minneso Strusinski and Scandia volunteers. She noted that St. Paul Senator Foung Hawj rallied for the project in meetings of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on ), Minnesota Resources (LCCMR which recommends awards from the Environment and Natural

has a new backer. Restoration of the Mill Stream Mike Isensee, adMarine City Council approved Watershed ministrator for The Carnelian-Marine a survey with District (CMWD), to move forward of the Mill Stream. the first comThe stream, which gave rise to River, originates mercial sawmill on the St. Croix flows downhill in William O’Brien State Park, e before enacross Hwy 95 through the Brooksid tering into the river. looking at “A couple of years ago we started said Stream,” Mill some restoration ideas for the council member Wendy Ward. with myself, “A recent walk around occurred Fire Miller, Bill member John Goodfellow, council and other business Chief Glen Mills, Mike Isensee informative about stake holders. It was incredibly area to be this for potential and ies some possibilit restored,” she said. May city counIsensee was in attendance for the an $8,000 cil meeting to introduce and discuss the Carnelian survey of the Mill Stream that g to Ward, the Watershed would assume. Accordin process to restore survey would “jump-start” the the site. and improving “Restoration of the Mill Stream d plan,” stream health is a goal of the watershe said Isensee. the Water“There have been a couple of things for preparation, shed District has already done s and to for understanding the stream dynamic to be means better understand what it actually what we’ve from able to move the stream health stream in A an seen from a B grade in 2014 to so far includes health. The steps we have taken in the stream conducting an invertebrate survey last year.” he said. results,” final for “We are waiting we are where for baseline our “That’s kind of with Tom Langer, starting. We are also working in education and ce experien extensive who has in the habitat [and works e health…h biotic stream

SEE PROJECTS, PAGE 2

SEE MILL STREAM, PAGE 8

As boating season begins, safety is key MN DNR

a’s summer ota’s Minnesot Minnes

N ep t entt off Natut Departm sota ral Resources (DNR). ys are the y aterways wa O waterwa “Our

id said. Below are a few safety alll e DNR for al the rrom th p ffrom tips

j kett li e jack ea i g a lif y, wearing way, is the best way boaters of ensure pe ges can help ages all ag

ﬁre d i es,, ﬁ i g devic ducing d duc extinguishers and carbon detectors are de detectors monoxide monoxi

Own your wake

ve have g wakes ccan ha Large

COUNTRY

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

Your best source for Community Information

Railway News 2023 • Page 15

CHOO CHOO Specials!

Show your boarding pass or ticket at the local businesses below to receive these specials! FREE PIECE OF CANDY

Just show us your train ticket. 201 3rd Ave E, Lower Level Osceola, WI • (651) 335-0189

10% Off Storewide Leather

a medium or large Blizzard

208 2nd St. Osceola, WI 715-294-4640

98 Cascade Street North Osceola WI • 715-755-3217 Osceola,

RIVER VALLEY

Bring in your train ticket to receive 10% Off a regular priced item.

Inn & Suites

$5 Off/Night for guests with a ticket stub 1030 N Cascade Street • Osceola, WI 54020 715-294-4060 • 888-791-0022

Free order of breadsticks with purchase of $25 or more.

www.osceolarivervalleyinn.com • info@osceolarivervalleyinn.com

444 N Cascade St, Osceola, WI • 715-294-3996

FREE FRENCH FRIES With the purchase of any burger

BUY 1 WINE TASTING, GET A 2ND TASTING FREE 7750 Hwy 95 NE North Branch, MN

Downtown Osceola

$1 OFF

651-674-0049

10% OFF Wisconsin Craft Beer, Craft Alcohol & Wine

111 N Cascade Street, Osceola • 715-781-5276

$3 OFF ANY BURGER BASKET Bring your Train Ticket stub for discount!

2394 St Rd 35 Osceola, WI 715-294-2131

Free Medium Fountain Drink with a purchase from the Deli.

$5 Off

any purchase of $25 or more

1020 North Cascade St • Osceola, WI • tippycanoes.com

209 Chieftain Street • 715-294-4240

715-294-4086 • 35 and 243, Osceola

Page 16 • Railway News 2023