[PRCo] Re: Museum Policy - Continued

[Dennis F. Cramer]

    Of course the artifacts at a museum are important.  The tour should not
focus on the technical side of the equipment.  We at PTM are justifiably
proud of our maintenance, restoration, overhead, signal, track, grounds,
store, publications, archives, education and all the other departments that
help us present the story.  Not all of the equipment will ever feel the
surge of power again and not every piece has to.
    Are we railfans?  According to your Webster, yes.  I do not know if the
term foamer is used on the west coast.  These are the people we watch for.
I have helped many foamers get that certain picture or have spent extra
time, when possible, to visit with them.  Many of them are very interesting
individuals.  However, as has been stated before, we cannot rely solely on
their patronage or the cash flow would be minimal.
    As an aside, there is a group of people that refer to themselves as
SPFs----Slobbering Pennsy Fans.  IE:  foamers.
    I am probably unique to this list as I did not grow up with streetcars.
We left Liberty Boro (outside of McKeesport) when I was nine and moved to
Armstrong County.  Museums are going to need to reach out to more people
with my history interest, which does include rail, than trying to find
people who have the experiences from everyday life.  I am 48 and most of the
operating crew at PTM is older than me.
    As always, I enjoy the perspectives of everyone on the list and usually
only have limited time to actively participate.  You all are great.

Dennis F. Cramer--Teacher-Trombonist-Historian-Conductor
www.geocities.com/armconband