 There may a steam engine in Woodinville's
future
This article appeared in the Woodinville Weekly, June 10, 1986
"Dream, spread the word and jump on the train," is the cry being
spread from Issaquah.
There will be a steam engine running from Issaquah to Woodinville in the near
future if the Issaquah Historical Society has anything to say about it. Greg
Spranger, chairman, and Michael Crouse, executive director, both represented the
society at the last meeting of the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce and explained
their "Ride the Train" effort.
The concept of running a tourist train from Issaquah to Woodinville began
three years ago. Two years ago they acquired an old train and one year ago they
began to restore a depot that will be 100 years old in 1998, the year of
Washington's Centennial. The society also wants to build a railroad museum in
Issaquah.
"We envision the Sammamish Valley as a tourist destination,"
Spranger said. "Historical places are the number one tourist draws in the
United States. Historical steam train rides are popular with tourists."
They propose that two steam powered trains make one run daily from the
starting points in Issaquah and Woodinville. During the other times rail buses
would keep passengers moving up and down the tracks. A bicycle ferry would allow
cyclists to ride part of the way.
The group wants to acquire property for a bed and breakfast along the tracks
as well as develop the project.
All that is needed is dedication of the track, help from King County, and lots of money. If you want to "jump on the train" and help, call the
Issaquah Historical Society at 392-3500 or write to them at P.O. Box 695,
Issaquah, WA 98027
This Article © 1986 Woodinville Weekly Back
to Press Coverage
| 
