[PRCo] Re: Steam Into History

[Dennis F Cramer]

Who knows how much money they have. History has always been a tough sell and 
the current economy certainly does little to help groups who need government 
funds for assistance. Many states budgeted zero dollars for the 150th 
Anniversary of the Civil War. Gettysburg has done well, as far as 
battlefields go, and there will be a bump as we head towards July 2013. They 
host a great music festival in June, the battle commemoration in July and 
the Lincoln visit in November. That coupled with the fact they are within a 
days drive of a huge population center helps. Communities who spread things 
out and reach to a wider variety of audiences get better results.

I have visited Steamtown previous to the federal takeover and since, usually 
on the way to New England. Unfortunately the vast majority of federal monies 
spent went to site cleanup. There are still decaying hulks. It seems so 
appropriate to visit our national park dedicated to railroading and take an 
excursion behind a Canadian locomotive.

I will visit the Promontory site on June 30th. That, the light rail in SLC, 
& Ogden Station will be about the extent on our rail adventures as we visit 
Utah for 2 weeks. The majority of the time will be spent in Zion, Bryce, & 
Grand Canyon North Rim National Parks.

But first I get to work with 3 Operators for an Hour on Sunday at PTM. Happy 
Fathers Day to all you Dads out there!

          Dennis F. Cramer
http://home.windstream.net/dfc1