Volume 19: Depot Dispatch Newsletter

"In The News" ... from the museum newsletter, The Depot Dispatch.

Volume 19 - (ISSUES IN REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER)

Museum Receives Santa Barbara Foundation Grant - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

The Santa Barbara Foundation announced in September that it has awarded a $7,500 grant to the railroad museum. The local charitable foundation designated that the museum apply the grant funds toward the creation of a new staff position, a “resource-development coordinator,” who will assist in fundraising and the recruiting of volunteers.

Although the foundation funding is for one year only, the museum hopes to be able to make the part-time position a permanent one.

Train Stamp Celebration Draws Big Response - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

Member and former museum trustee Michael Gartzke deserves an enormous amount of credit for all of his efforts in bringing about the highly successful program of activities celebrating the release of five new first-class stamps honoring historic American trains by the U.S. Postal Service.

The Aug. 27 event at the museum drew a crowd of about 100 people, most of whom came to purchase the special cacheted envelopes designed by the museum expressly for the occasion.

More than 1,000 pieces of mail received the unique “Goleta Depot Station” postmark. Most were affixed during the historical landmark’s one day of service as an official postal station. The day’s mailing included the Fall ‘99 issue of the Depot Dispatch — which was sent to all museum members.

To meet the enormous demand on the day, a cadre of honorary postal clerks were put to work, including Bob Burtness, Betty Mocker, Ed Leska, Kip Kramer, Rich Thom, Carolyn Weber and Ken Weber, as well as Museum Director Gary Coombs and Assistant Director Phyllis Olsen.

Gartzke served as emcee for the opening ceremony, which included an unveiling of the train-stamp art and a ceremonial carrying of the mail on the Goleta Short Line miniature train, operated by Eugene Allen. Gartzke’s son, Rollin, recovered the mailbag when it was dropped from the passing train.

Mike also was responsible for sending publicity to national stamp-collecting publications that elicited more than a hundred orders for the cacheted envelopes from across the country. He also designed a companion display in the Waiting Room chronicling the depiction of trains and railroad themes on American and international postage stamps.

The cacheted envelopes are still available for purchase at the museum. Printed on each envelope is a full-color image of the S.P. Daylight train as it passes Goleta Depot. The envelopes also have one or more of the train stamps, each canceled with the special Goleta station postmark. Call the museum (964-3540) for more information.

"Candy Cane Train" Begins 7th Holiday Run Nov. 26 - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

The 7th annual Candy Cane Train, the railroad museum's popular year-end family event, begins Friday, Nov. 26, continuing daily through Dec. 26 (The museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Christmas Day). Event hours are 1 to 4 p.m. on weekends and 2 to 4 p.m. weekdays. Candy Cane Train tickets are $2.50 each (adult or child), which includes a ride on the festively-decorated miniature train, plus an assortment of holiday treats and favors. Additional rides will be available for only 75¢ each. Members receive their customary 25¢ discount on all tickets purchased. Tickets will be sold at the museum during event hours. All train riders must meet the museum's 34-inch minimum-height requirement.

New Jr. Engineers Page - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

Junior Engineers will find in this mailing the much anticipated list of train-theme books for young readers that are available at the local public libraries. The list was prepared by Judy Savage, Children’s Librarian at Goleta Library and longtime museum member and volunteer. Thanks, Judy!

Flores Joins Museum Board - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

Art Flores has been elected to the Board of Trustees for a two-year term. He is the general manager of Pacifica Suites Santa Barbara.

Welcome New Members - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

New members include Craig, Laura and Jack Burleigh; Reid and Robin Cederlof (Milepost 100); Joe Gartman; Ed and Jonee Grat and Joseph H. Handlon (Sustaining). New Jr. Engineers: Nicolae Chris-toffersen, Julia A. Earl, Jacob Martin Jeppesen, Gabriel Knapp, Joe Knapp, Nate Owens, and Shane Williams. Warm greetings to all new members of the museum family.

Thom Will Share Sugar Cane Railroads in Nov. 16 Program - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

International rail traveler and author Rich Thom will present Sugar Steam In Paradise, a slide lecture on the sugar-cane railroads of the Philippines, on Tuesday, Nov. 16. An article by Thom on the same subject was published in Trains (Dec. ‘98), America's leading railroading magazine. The presentation will include a brief visit to Manila, the Philippine capital, for a ride on its urban transit system.

The program, which is part of the museum’s Continuing Lecture Series, will be held at Goleta Library, 500 No. Fairview Ave., at 7:30 pm. It is free and open to members and the general public.

Rich Thom has ridden and photographed the railways of 30 countries, concentrating on South America, India, and China. He has chronicled his journeys in a number of railway publications, including regular contributions to the International Railway Traveler magazine.

Thom is a local resident and a member of the South Coast Railroad Museum’s Board of Trustees. He will be available to answer questions and meet with attendees following the program.

“Super Saturday IV” Kicks Off Jan. 29 - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

The 4th Annual “Super Saturday!” will be held at the museum on Jan. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event marks the first day of unlimited free miniature-train rides during 2000. It is open to the general public. All riders must meet the 34-inch minimum-height requirement.

Super Saturday is made possible by the sponsorship support of local businesses, organizations and museum members. Sponsors of the 1999 event included Friedlander & Associates Insurance Services; Michael J. Gartzke, CPA; Mid-State Bank; Silicon Beach Communications; and Timbers Restaurant & Catering — many of which will be returning as supporters in 2000.

Each year, hundreds of free train rides are given on Super Saturday to museum visitors. We hope to see lots of members and other Depot Dispatch readers on hand for the 2000 event.

Depot Day Scores Again - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

Another festive crowd was on hand to celebrate the 17th annual Depot Day on Sept. 26. This year’s event would not have been possible without the help and support of the hundreds who donated equipment, supplies, auction items, or their valuable time.

Returning for a third Depot Day performance in as many years were the musical youth groups, Showstoppers and the Monte Vista Elementary School chorus, both directed by Radu Azdril. Their spirited renditions of railroad tunes and other favorites were a wonderful addition to the day.

Trustee John Locke organized this year’s barbecue. Food preparers and servers included Don Zellet; Mary Cole; Trustee Kip Kramer; Patty Robinett; Judy and Hanna Savage; and Moria, Morgan and Patrick Ruiz.
Staffing the silent auction were Charlene Doty, Diana Mina, Betty Mocker, Margaret Pryde, John Starr, Robert Adams, and Carolyn Weber. This year's auction was the most successful in Depot Day history, thanks to more than 100 businesses, members, and other friends who donated items. Betty Bazzi, Mike Gartzke, Rose Ann Hill, Noel Langle, John Locke, John McKee, Diana Mina, and Bill Parker all gave staff a hand in securing auction items.

Members of Santa Barbara’s Jr. ROTC, under Capt. Dan Freitas, handled parking and helped with event setup. Pastor Paul Hoefer at Christ Lutheran Church approved our use of the church field for overflow parking.

Volunteer crew on the Goleta Short Line included Joel Bingham, Bob Burtness, Steve Kramer, and Sean VanderJagt. The handcar ride was manned by Bill Parker, while Bob Mahan took riders on his Ventura County Railway inspection speeder.

Board President Noel Langle, John McKee, Trustee Dick Shelton and Wendy Shelton greeted visitors and collected donations at the admissions table.

Representatives from Operation Livesaver were on hand again this year, promoting safety around trains by distributing literature and souvenirs.

Agents Bruce Morden and Margaret Pryde were kept busy selling ride tickets in the Freight Office. Ken Weber, John McKee, and Michael Morden shared the model railroad with hundreds of Depot Day visitors.
Arlene Radasky and Hilda Volkman opened the agent's apartment upstairs in Goleta Depot, giving visitors a rare glimpse at the second-floor living area. The steam-engine exhibit was run by Gene Allen and Jim Higman.
Authentic Goleta Depot nasturtium seeds and cacheted envelopes were sold at a booth staffed by Connie Allen, Olivia Leonard, Bob Miesbauer and Anna Weiss. Susan Cavalli and Edee Brown were kept busy with customers in the Trackside Shop.

Helpers for event setup and cleanup included Kari Adams, Gene Allen, David Chapman, Mary Cole, Charlene Doty, Kip Kramer, Noel Langle, John Locke, Carol and Scott Matthew, Diana Mina, Bruce Morden, Katherine Parker, Judy and Hanna Savage and Sean VanderJagt.

Museum's Christmas Tree Part Of A Long Tradition - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

The Goleta Depot tree will be lighted every night in December, creating a lovely Victorian scene that you may enjoy as you travel past the museum grounds on Los Carneros Road.
For almost two decades, ever since the depot building was moved to its new home at Lake Los Carneros County Park, the decorated tree has been placed in the historical landmark's second-floor window bay. This has special Yuletide significance and preserves a much older custom, practiced over the years by countless rail-station agent families across America, of placing their Christmas tree in a prominent spot, where its message of hope and wonder could be shared with the passengers and crews on passing trains.
For the second year, simple white “Remembrance Stars” will be placed on the depot tree, memorializing those special friends who are no longer with us.

Channel Communications Sponsors Free Handcar Rides - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

Continuation of the program of monthly free rides on the museum handcar has been assured, thanks to Channel Communications. The Santa-Barbara-based cellular telephone service has offered to sponsor the free rides over the next year. The rides are available to museum visitors on the third Saturday of the month, from 1 to 4 p.m. All riders must meet the 48-inch minimum-height requirement.

New Label Interprets Freight Office For Visitors - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

A new interpretive label is now available to inform visitors about the functions of Goleta Depot’s Freight Office, the landmark building’s most complex and important room. The label includes a full-color wide-angle photograph of today’s restored Freight Office, with a key explaining many of the room’s most significant features and furnishings.

The label is designed so that it can be used by the “agent” — the museum volunteer based in the Freight Office — or consulted by visitors, themselves, when an agent is unavailable.

The Freight Office was the action center at Goleta Depot, as with hundreds of other country railroad stations across America. Southern Pacific’s station agent sold tickets, managed train traffic in the Goleta yard, handled train orders and other railroad communications, maintained shipping records, and protected company valuables — all in this room. The Freight Office also served as the Goleta agency for Western Union and the Railway Express Co. (formerly Wells Fargo Express).

Examples of the 22 appointments described in the label include the station clock, ticket window, telegraph key and sounder, “annunciator” (which alerted the agent of approaching trains), dispatcher’s bell, teletype, express scale and tariff books.

A version of the Freight Office interpretive label can also be found on the internet at the museum’s web site. The page, entitled “A Visit To The Freight Office” is at www.goletadepot.org/freightoffice.htm.

Holiday Party Is Dec. 16 - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

Leave an opening on your holiday calendar for the evening of Thursday, Dec. 16, when the museum will hold its annual year-end party. The event will be at Goleta Library, 500 N. Fairview Ave, beginning at 7 p.m.

All members — with their families or guests — are encouraged to join in the holiday festivities. Please bring a dessert or hors d'oeuvres to share. The museum will provide the beverages, cups, napkins, and plates.

The holiday party is a great opportunity to meet and enjoy other members of the museum family. Please plan to attend this annual year-end celebration and get-together. The party has been held at Goleta Library since 1993.

Reading Program Has Happy Ending - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

Sept. 25 marked the conclusion of another highly successful year of museum participation in the Summer Reading Program of the Santa Barbara Public Libraries.

In recognition of their reading achievement, every child who completed the program, by reading 15 or more books, received a coupon good for a free ride on the Goleta Short Line for themselves plus one friend or family member. The museum's participation in the reading program was made possible again this year by the generous financial support of Mid-State Bank.

Nearly 5,000 boys and girls signed up for this year’s reading program according to Library Director Carol L. Keator. As its contribution to reading excellence, the railroad museum gave 396 free miniature-train rides to program participants.
The Summer Reading Program is open to children ages 2-14 throughout much of Santa Barbara County, including Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Montecito, Santa Ynez, and Solvang.

Volunteer News - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

Joe Gartman and John McKee have recently joined the museum’s corps of volunteers. A retired physicist, John has been serving as a museum agent, sharing the Freight Office, Waiting Room and model-railroad exhibit with our visitors. Joe is a SBCC student and has been working on the Goleta Short Line miniature train and also helps to keep the model railroad room available to museum guests.

Station Reopening Delayed - (Vol. 19, No. 4 - Winter 1999-2000)

Restoration of the Santa Barbara passenger station has fallen behind schedule. If floor-tile work is not completed by mid-December, the reopening will be postponed until early next year. A new date for a Grand Opening event has not been set.

Sunday, Sept 26 Marks 17th "Depot Day" - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

The 17th Annual Depot Day will be held Sunday, Sept. 26. Event hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Depot Day is held each fall to commemorate and celebrate the preservation of Goleta Depot. The event, which is made possible by members and friends, is the museum's main annual community fundraiser.

A donation of $1 per person will be requested upon entering the museum grounds on Depot Day.

In addition to train and handcar rides, Bob Mahan will be giving rides on his Ventura County Railway inspection speeder. Tickets are $1 for the train, 50¢ for the handcar and speeder.

There are always lots of great buys on items for yourself or gifts for friends and family at the silent auction. This year, the tables will be jammed with nearly 200 items going up for bid, including luxury hotel stays, golf, admission to Southern California amusement parks, tickets to regional performing arts productions, and winery tours. Always represented in the auction are fine restaurants such as the five-star Citronelle, Four Seasons Biltmore, and Beckham Place in Pasadena. The auction also includes round-trip rail transportation for two to San Diego. The lucky bidder will enjoy Amtrak's "Pacific Class" service, which includes complimentary food and beverage service at your seat, and many other amenities. The auction is an important revenue source for the museum. Please help the organization and yourself by stopping by the tables and placing bids on some of these wonderful items. If you have new items, collectibles, or valuable services to donate to the auction, please call Asst. Director Phyllis Olsen in the museum office (964-3540).

Films on a variety of railroad topics will be shown throughout the day in the museum's Gandy Dancer Theater.

A delicious barbecue meal will be served. For the first time, attendees will have their choice of entree - either tri-tip beef or chicken breast - along with green salad, toasted french bread, and ranch beans. Ticket prices on the day are $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12. BBQ tickets can also be purchased in advance, which includes $1 off the regular price. Advance tickets are available in the museum's Trackside Shop, (purchases of three or more tickets can be made by credit card), or from museum trustees and staff. You are encouraged to buy your BBQ tickets before Depot Day. In addition to saving $1 on every ticket, you'll be helping event planners to estimate the number of meals to prepare.

There will also be hot dogs, soft drinks, and other refreshments served throughout the day by our volunteers. Musical Entertainment Back by popular demand will be the energetic youth singing group, Showstoppers, and the Monte Vista Elementary School Choir, both under the direction of Radu Azdril.

A steam display will feature a tabletop array of operating steam-driven machines, shared by Jim Higman and powered by Jim Marchiando's and Gene Allen's steam plants.

Depot Day will be your last chance to see Ken and Carolyn Weber's HO-scale "K&C Famous Family Circus" in the model railroad exhibit room. "All Aboard! Stamps Celebrate America's Trains," on display in Goleta Depot's Waiting Room, also will be closing shortly after Depot Day.

Youth Group Visits Make Summer A Busy Time - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

The museum has hosted a number of youth groups and organizations this summer. The August schedule alone included eight children's group visits, representing Cliff Drive Care Center, First Presbyterian Children's Center, Kids Club, Franklin Education Center, and UCSB Alumni Family Vacation Center. Most groups take advantage of the free guided tours of the historical landmark, presented by Assistant Director Phyllis Olsen.

Real Goleta Depot-Grown Flower Seeds Now Available In Museum Shop - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

This spring the museum grounds were bursting with color, with golden California poppies and multi-hued nasturtiums blooming almost everywhere. We decided it would be fun - and perhaps a source of some added revenue, as well - for the museum to collect, package and sell the flower seeds in the Trackside Shop. Though we didn't have much luck harvesting the poppy seeds, we were able to amass thousands of nasturtium seeds during July. Many of these have now been packaged in full-color seed packets. The packets contain instructions for planting and care and also indicate that the contents are "Authentic Goleta Depot Nasturtium Seeds" - "Grown on the Museum Grounds." The packets sell for $2 apiece ($1.80 with member's discount). Look for them at the counter next time you're in the Trackside Shop.

Web Site Gets New Pages - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

A number of new sections have been added to the museum's web site since the last Depot Dispatch issue. "Our Corporate Partners" is a new page that acknowledges those in the business community that provide major support to the museum. Included are Goleta National Bank, Toyota of Santa Barbara, Mid-State Bank, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust and Silicon Beach Communications.

Another new section, entitled "Artists' Views," honors six artists whose work includes depictions of Goleta Depot. Spanning almost three decades, the paintings, watercolors, sketches, and mixed-media works show the historical landmark along the Southern Pacific tracks as well as at its new home at Lake Los Carneros County Park. Those in the spotlight include Jan Bish, Robert Dillon, Stu Fredericks, Lorraine Niles, Lynn Sexton, and Frank Stevens.

The U.S. Postal Service's new "All Aboard!" series of stamps commemorating five 20th Century American trains, including the Southern Pacific Daylight, are highlighted on another new page on the museum's web site. The page includes images of each of the train stamps, as well as of the catcheted envelope and "Goleta Depot Station" postmark designed by Museum Director Gary Coombs for the Aug. 27 event at the museum commemorating the new stamps' release (see Summer '99 Dispatch issue).

The museum's web-site address is www.goletadepot.org. Members who do not have Internet access may still view the web site, on the museum's computer. Please contact Gary Coombs for more information.

Grand Re-Opening Of Santa Barbara Passenger Station Set For Oct. 2 - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

The mission-styled Santa Barbara passenger station, which has been closed while undergoing extensive restoration will soon re-open. Plans are now underway for a grand station re-opening ceremony, which has been scheduled for the morning of Sat., Oct. 2. The railroad museum has been invited to participate in the event, as well as to assist in its planning.

Three Join Museum Board - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

The Board of Trustees has elected three new members. Those joining the Board, each for two-year terms, are David Chapman, Kip Kramer, and Bruce Morden. At the Board's Aug. 4 meeting, Noel Langle also was elected to serve a second two-year term.

Welcome New Members - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

New members include Carlos and Dolores De Anda Guerra, H.W. Lewis, Dr. and Mrs. John McKee, Jim Staples, Sean Vanderjagt, and Wilson Printing. New Junior Engineers are Matthew Arnold, Michael Bangs, Brooke M. Bianco, Jack O'Reilly Hale, Cody Stocker, and Eric Warner. Welcome all of our new members!

Rail Trips Completed To Railfair '99 and Disneyland - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

As this issue goes to press, a museum group has just returned from another Amtrak rail excursion. This three-day adventure to Disneyland (some in the group spent one of the two days at Knott's Berry Farm) is the second museum-organized rail trip of the summer. The first, the June run to Railfair '99 in Sacramento, was led by Ed Leska, with assistance from Noel Langle and Pat and Perry Lorentzen. All museum rail trips are open to the general public as well as members.

New Jr. Engineers Page - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

The new edition of the Junior Engineers Fun Page features a word-search puzzle, designed by Museum Docent Margaret Pryde. The previously-announced list of train-theme books for young readers, being prepared by Judy Savage, Children's Librarian at Goleta Library, has been delayed and will be sent to all Junior Engineers Club members with the next newsletter mailing.

Display Features U.S. and Foreign Train Stamps - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

All Aboard! Stamps Celebrate America's Trains is the title of a new display in Goleta Depot's Waiting Room. Featured are rare stamps and philatelic memorabilia from the collection of Michael Gartzke, who also prepared the accompanying text. The display also features a Golden State Railway Post Office car from the model collection of Robert Sponsel.

Spring Fundraiser Reaches Financial Target - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

Pledges for the Great Goleta Rail Race, held May 22, have now passed the goal set for the fundraising event. The $13,043 reported to date is the largest ever in the 18-year-old spring fund-raiser, which for many years was known as the "Asphalt Regatta." It took only a handful of devoted pledge-getters to amass the record amount - more than $2,000 over the previous high. Those participating were Members Theresa Caccese, Stella and Kip Kramer and Diana Mina; Volunteers Eugene Allen and Pat and Perry Lorentzen; Trustees Mike Couch, Noel Langle, John Locke, Richard Shelton, Rich Thom, and Hilda Volkman; and Museum Staff Gary Coombs and Phyllis Olsen. All donors are acknowledged in the "Campaign '99" listing displayed daily at the museum entrance.

Wilson Printing Donates Pages For Children - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

For many years, the museum has distributed free "coloring pages" - depictions of museum and railroad scenes printed on heavy paper - to our young visitors. These souvenir handouts have become one of the most popular activities for children offered by the museum. Wilson Printing of Goleta recently donated 1,200 copies of these pages to the museum to help keep this program going. Dale Wilson is owed a debt of gratitude for making this valuable contribution possible.

Jr. Engineers Have July Party - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

There were many in attendance at the 8th annual Junior Engineers Club Party in July, including members, their families and friends. Everyone was treated to unlimited free rides on the Goleta Short Line, along with special showings of Thomas The Tank Engine videos, and some delicious refreshments, including a yummy Junior Engineers cake.

Volunteer News - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

Sean Vanderjadt is a new docent-trainee. He has been training to operate the miniature train and handcar and to share the model-railroad exhibit. Mary Lee Sanders has completed her guide training for the Coast Starlight Interpretive Program.

Starlight Program Reopens - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

The museum is again accepting applications for the Coast Starlight Interpretive Program. Applicants must be in good health and willing to devote a minimum of two afternoons per month as an on-board program guide. Persons interested in becoming Coast Starlight guides should contact the museum office and request an application packet.

The interpretive program aboard Amtrak’s western flagship celebrated its first anniversary this past spring. Thousands of Coast Starlight passengers have enjoyed the live presentations about “California’s Wonderful Corner,” the coastal lands from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo. The program narrative covers the natural and cultural history of the area, and points of interest including Point Conception, the Channel Islands, and Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Steaming Summer Report - (Vol. 19, No. 3 - Fall 1999)

The weekend of July 24-25 marked the 13th annual Another Steaming Summer. It was terrific having the circus theme again this year, thanks to Ted Cheesman and Lavonne Sanchez, who brought cars from their 7-1/2-inch-gauge circus train for the event (The car with the water-squirting elephant was a real crowd pleaser!) and to Ken and Carolyn Weber, whose “K & C Famous Family Circus” was a great addition to the model-railroad exhibit. The Weber’s HO-scale circus, complete with operating circus train, will remain in the model-railroad room through Depot Day, Sept. 26.

The trains and handcar carried 1,013 passengers over the two days. It was the fourth consecutive year in which Steaming Summer ridership passed the 1,000 mark.

The steam locomotives that hauled the Goleta Short Line’s passenger-carrying trains included Gene Allen’s coal-burning 4-4-0 American, Ed Winne-wisser’s 0-6-0 switch-engine, and Dan O’Brien’s 2-6-0 mogul. Volunteers who ably assisted with the train-ride operations included Joel Bingham, Jay Carsman, Ted Cheesman, Steve Kramer, Michael Melvin, and Lavonne Sanchez. The handcar ride was staffed by Bill Parker, Bruce Morden and Board President Noel Langle.

Jim Higman spent a busy weekend sharing a wide assortment of operating miniature stationary steam engines and steam-driven tools and devices with visitors. His tabletop display borrowed power from two steam plants this year — one supplied by Gene Allen and the other by Jim Marchiando. The latter — which also powers a water pump and a variety of steam whistles — is a frequent attraction at museum events and a favorite with event-goers.

Trustee John Locke did a super job organizing the food booth this year, with help from Olivia Leonard and fellow trustees Kip Kramer and Noel Langle. Most of the supplies for the booth were donated by the Goleta Lions Club.

Staffing the admissions table and model-railroad exhibit were Trustee-elect David Chapman, Peggy Lan-gle, Pat and Perry Lorentzen, Betty Mocker, Bruce Morden, Margaret Pryde, John Starr, Trustee Rich Thom and Ken Weber.
Other Steaming Summer ‘99 volunteers included Robert Adams, Susan Cavalli, Sean VanderJagt, Trustee Hilda Volkman and Carolyn Weber.

Michael Morden kept his dad, Bruce, company overnight both Friday and Saturday. As they did last year, the duo camped out on the grounds, watching over the event equipment stored there.

Event sponsor Toyota of Santa Barbara and owner Denny Franks deserve a big thank you for their generous support again this year.

Don't Miss Steaming Summer, July 24 & 25 - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

A circus theme will again highlight the museum's 13th annual "Another Steaming Summer," which will be held over the weekend of July 24-25.

Steaming Summer is best known for the operating live-steam locomotives that have hauled passengers on the Goleta Short Line throughout the history of the event. Reprising a popular addition made last year, one of the Steaming Summer trains will again be a circus train, featuring several circus cars from the collection of Ted Cheesman. Event attendees will be able to ride the circus train, as well as the other trains operating that day.

The circus motif will be carried over into the model-railroad exhibit, where Ken and Carolyn Weber will be sharing their HO-scale "K&C Famous Family Circus," which they're assembling expressly for this year's event. The three-ring circus includes a big top, operating 20-car circus train, and much more.

The museum's only two-day event, Steaming Summer is sponsored by Toyota of Santa Barbara. Hours both days will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Museum members are invited to come early (10-11 a.m.) to watch the locomotives being steamed-up in preparation for the day's activities (Early-bird attendance is limited to members and their accompanying guests only, please).

Admission to the event is $3, which includes unlimited rides on both the Goleta Short Line and handcar. The admission charge applies to everyone, including those who elect not to ride; infants and any others who are unable to ride the train will be admitted without charge. For late arrivals, the admission price will drop to $2 after 3 p.m.

Advance tickets, at 50¢ off (75¢ off with membership card) are now available in the museum's Trackside Shop.

Gene Allen is putting together another great collection of steam locomotives and other steam equipment for operation or display. As of late May, when this issue of the Depot Dispatch went to press, the list of scheduled visiting operating equipment included:

Gene's own 4-4-0 American - a working 500-lb., coal-burning replica of an engine built in 1888 by the Cook Locomotive and Machine Co. of Patterson, N.J.; an 0-6-0 switch-engine owned by Ed Winnewisser of Atascadero, another Steaming Summer mainstay; a pair of Allen Models 2-6-0 moguls, owned by Bill Hoey and Dan O'Brien; and the wondrous steam plant of Jim Marchiando, which will drive a water pump, a variety of steam whistles, and a number of smaller machines and devices on a table-top display prepared by Jim Higman.

The program will also include continuous free showings of railroad films, with an emphasis on steam power, including tutorials on how to operate and maintain a steam locomotive - shown in the museum's Gandy Dancer Theater.

The Goleta Lions will be on hand to sell tri-tip sandwiches and "Depot Dogs," with all proceeds to the museum.

Don't miss this once-a-year chance to see the steamers in action! It's a lot of fun, not to mention a terrific bargain for anyone who enjoys riding the trains!

Exhibit Offers Advance Look At Steaming Summer Circus - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

If you’d like to have a preview of what this year’s Steaming Summer holds, don’t miss the new display in the Waiting Room. It contains the calliope from Ted Cheesman’s circus train, plus many elements from the Weber’s K&C Famous Family Circus.

Family “Adopts” Goleta Short Line Rolling Stock - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)
Clas Lensander, father of Junior Engineers Bjorn and Nicholas Lensander, came to Museum Director Gary Coombs with a proposal: His family wanted to help support the museum by sponsoring one of the Goleta Short Line locomotives and two of the passenger cars. Young Bjorn wanted to adopt Car No. 2 (the blue car), while brother Nicholas had his eye on the red car (No. 5). The entire family wanted to sponsor Engine No. 1316.

The director liked the idea, which was soon approved. In recognition of the Lensander’s support, plaques have been affixed to the three cars, acknowledging their respective sponsors.

Engine No. 2655 and two other passenger cars are now available for adoption. If you would like to learn more about how you, your family, organization, or business can join the Lensander family as Goleta Short Line sponsors, please contact the director in person, by telephone (805-964-3540) or via e-mail (gcoombs@goletadepot.org).

Museum To Host Postal Event Honoring New Train Stamps - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

On Friday, Aug. 27, the U.S. Postal Service will hold a special event at the South Coast Railroad Museum celebrating the release of a set of new first-class stamps commemorating five 20th Century American trains, including the Southern Pacific Daylight. Hours are 1 to 4, opening with a brief ceremony.

The museum has designed a unique postmark, featuring both the Daylight and Goleta Depot, which will be used by postal officials only during this one-day event at the museum. The postmark is based on a photograph from the museum’s historical collections.

Those attending the free event will be able to purchase the new stamps or send mail, which will be stamped with the commemorative postmark.

Also available, from the museum, will be a cacheted envelope, bearing a full-color rendition of the Daylight-Goleta Depot photo. The $2.50 envelope price includes the train stamp of your choice and the special postmark. The envelopes may also be ordered in advance (see accompanying order form).

Museum Web Site Has New Name, Many New Features - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

There have been lots of big changes at the museum’s Internet web site. The site now has a new, easier-to-remember address: www.goletadepot.org, a change made possible by the generosity of Silicon Beach Communications.

The site also has undergone a major remodeling since the first of the year. Besides stylistic changes, there have been many new features added, including sound, animation, and several new pages.

Self-Guided Landmark Tour Now Available To Visitors - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

Museum visitors can now learn about the history and architecture of Goleta Depot by taking the museum’s new “Self-Guided Walking Tour.” The full-color tour card contains a detailed building floor-plan and 18 other illustrations, including a number of rare photographs.

Members are also encouraged to partake of this latest addition to the museum’s educational repetoire. “Even long-time members will benefit from the experience,” according to Museum Director Gary Coombs, who spearheaded the tour’s development. “There’s something new here for everyone,” he said.

The tour is free and can be checked out at the Trackside Shop anytime that the museum is open. A Spanish-language version is also available, thanks to the translation skills of Stella Kramer. An armchair version of the tour is also now readily accessible to an international audience on the museum’s web site (www.goletadepot.org).

Goleta National Bank Gives Free Rides for Dads - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

On Father's Day, Sunday, June 20, all dads and granddads visiting the railroad museum will be treated to unlimited free rides on the Goleta Short Line, compliments of Goleta National Bank. There will be four trains per hour, beginning at 1:15, with the last train pulling out of the station promptly at 3:45.

The complimentary tickets may be picked up in advance at Goleta National Bank's office at 5827 Hollister Ave., or in Goleta Depot's Waiting Room during the event. Tickets will also be available, at regular prices, for other family members, and the general public. Goleta National Bank has sponsored every Free Rides For Dads since the event was begun back in 1994.

Welcome New Members - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

The museum’s newest members are W. Dow Hoyt and Michael Melvin. New Junior Engineers include Alexander De Venne, Drake Gilliland, Dolan Ingraham, Max Johnson, Alexa Johnson, and Ryan Mori. Welcome to all new members!

Try Disneyland By Rail - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

The museum is organizing a group rail trip to Disneyland for Aug. 16-18. The excursion price includes transportation via Amtrak’s San Diegan trains (group members have their choice of boarding at Goleta, Santa Barbara, or Carpinteria); two nights stay at the Best Western Park Place Inn across from Disneyland’s main entrance; continental breakfasts; and one-day’s admission to Disneyland (The schedule will permit a second full day at the Southern California park, if desired). Typical cost: $116 per person for a family of four. For more details, including prices for your family or group, call Gary or Phyllis at the museum (964-3540).

Jr. Engineers Party Is July 15 - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

The eighth annual Junior Engineers Club Party will be held Thursday, July 15, from 2 until 3:30 pm. The party will include lots of free rides on the Goleta Short Line, special showings of Thomas The Tank Engine videos, prizes and surprises, and delicious refreshments, including a Junior Engineers cake!

Don’t miss this special summer get-together, Junior Engineers! The event is free for members and one parent ($1 each for additional guests) but is limited to the first 60 reservations received. To hold your place, call 805-964-3540.

“March Madness” To Return - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

The month-long free miniature-train rides in March was very well received, producing record turnouts both for the month and for the entire first quarter. Total train ridership for March fell only 17 passengers short of the 1,500 mark.

Randy Shaffer at Goleta National Bank was so impressed with the event that he arranged for the financial institution to sponsor March Madness next year, guaranteeing a triumphant return!

A Message From The Director - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

For several years, our newsletter has carried a plea for more members to consider joining the ranks of museum volunteers. Although this has met with some success, the museum still has a ways to go before we can claim a full complement of volunteers, either at the museum or aboard the Coast Starlight.

Please take a few moments to review your monthly routine and see if there isn’t an afternoon or two when you could help share our museum and its educational and recreational programs. Or, you may know someone — in your family or among your friends and neighbors — who you think might be able to help.

The museum has a lot of different volunteer positions — something for just about everyone. The new cash register has added a new dimension to clerking in the Trackside Shop. There’s nothing to compare with giving rides on the miniature-train or handcar, or sharing the model-railroad with our museum guests — especially the little ones! No matter what you choose, you’re going to meet plenty of interesting people — many from far away places — and put smiles on a lot of faces. And, you’ll earn enormous satisfaction from keeping a wonderful community resource open and available to an enthusiastic public.

A small museum like ours is, of necessity, heavily dependent on its volunteers to keep the doors open and the activities flowing. Please call Assistant Director Phyllis Olsen or myself at 964-3540. We’re eager to discuss the museum’s many volunteer opportunities with you. -- Gary B. Coombs, Museum Director

Train-Order Boards Return To Goleta Depot Home - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

It’s been more than two years since there have been train-order boards atop the historic signal pole in front of Goleta Depot. In May, all that changed when Bruce Morden climbed the pole to installed a pair of new replacement boards.

Historically, train-order boards had the job of notifying crews on approaching trains when they needed to stop at the depot for orders from the train dispatcher. One board alerted eastbound and the other westbound trains. The Goleta agent, who typed the dispatcher’s orders when they came in via telegraph (replaced in later years by a dedicated-line telephone), would raise the appropriate order board using a pair of control levers inside the Freight Office.

The order-board mast and the two counter-weighted “quadrant” units that hold the order boards in place are all authentic Goleta Depot artifacts, but the boards themselves had to be recreated by museum volunteers. Initially, Gene Allen made the substitutes out of plywood, but when these failed to hold up against the elements, Gene convinced Seth Hammond of Specialty Crane and Rigging to fabricate new boards for the museum out of sheet metal, the same material used by the railroads.

Morden gladly offered to install the boards. Like many fellow volunteers, he was eager to resume one of the museum agent’s favorite duties — showing our visitors how the order-boards operated.

Race Was Great Fundraiser - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

The 3rd annual Great Goleta Rail Race, held on Saturday, May 22, may not have set any mileage records, but it reached an even more important milestone, becoming the most successful fundraising event in the railroad museum’s history.

Last year’s record of $10,700 was easily smashed several days before the event, as pledges roared past the $11,000 mark. As this issue of the Depot Dispatch goes to press, the figure stands at $12,255, with several participants yet to turn in their final pledge numbers.

The names of all contributors to the spring fundraiser were added to the “Campaign ‘99” list in time for the day’s festivities. This donor list is prominently displayed daily at the museum entrance.

During the event, itself, 239 free rides on the miniature-train and handcar were given to museum visitors, who were also awarded “I Survived the Great Goleta Rail Race” certificates. The miniature-train was operated throughout the competition by Joel Bingham and Michael Melvin, while Board President Noel Langle led the effort aboard the handcar.

The handcar was declared this year's winner. It completed 12.75 rider-miles which, when added to its 50 rider-mile handicap (based on previous years’ results), easily outpaced the 49.71 rider-miles logged by the miniature train.

Campaign ‘99 Donations Still Needed; Are You On The List? - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

It’s not too late to earn your place on the “Campaign ‘99” list that greets all visitors as they enter the museum grounds. The list will continue to be displayed until early next year. To add your name, use the accompanying form to make your contribution or to add to the gift you’ve made earlier this year. The listing is tiered, with larger gifts acknowledged toward the top. Please help the museum and “get on the list” with your tax-deductible gift.

Summer Reading Support Renewed By Mid-State Bank - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

The railroad museum is again participating in the Summer Reading Program of the Santa Barbara Public Libraries, thanks to the generous, renewed support of Mid-State Bank.

Each year, thousands of area youngsters receive free miniature-train rides at the museum for themselves and a guest when they complete the summer program by reading 15 or more books. Participating libraries include Santa Barbara (Central and Eastside), Goleta, Solvang, Carpinteria, Montecito, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Lompoc, and the Bookmobile!

The South Coast Railroad Museum has actively supported the summer reading program since 1987.

New Bunny Rides In During Easter Express - (Vol. 19, No. 2 - Summer 1999)

The Easter Bunny Express on April 3 featured a new Bunny, as Janet Cornish took over for Bob Burtness, who had served in that capacity since the event’s inception in 1992. This year, Bob filled the role of “Bunny Helper.”

Special thanks are owed to Margaret Pryde, who made the bunny suit for this year’s event when the costume we’ve used in the past became unavailable.

Museum's "March Madness" Means Free Train Rides - (Vol. 19, No. 1 - Spring 1999)

We're having a real "free-for-all" at the museum in March. Throughout the month, all miniature-train rides will be free! To add to this "March Madness," the ride schedule also will be expanded during the month: The train will run Wednesday through Sunday (adding Thursdays to the regular lineup) from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. (increasing weekday hours to match those on weekends). This month-long activity is part of the museum's continuing commitment to make its programs and activities available to the widest possible audience. Please plan to attend. And, be sure to tell friends and others about March Madness at the railroad museum.

Year-End Gifts Acknowledged - (Vol. 19, No. 1 - Spring 1999)

Year-end contributions from members and friends passed the $3,000 mark. This is a good first step toward the $25,000 fundraising goal for the year that was set last fall by the Board of Trustees and announced in the last issue of the Depot Dispatch. The names of all year-end contributors have been added to a listing of museum donors, which is prominently displayed at the new entrance during museum hours. This list, which was first placed on public view in late January, will be updated periodically with the names of new contributors and displayed throughout the year.

Those who made financial contributions to the museum at year's end, independently or as part of their membership renewals, included: Richard M. Abbott; Christine Allen; Junior Engineers Keith and Fiona Avery; Shirley Baird; Betty Bazzi; Gary and Lori Blum; Elsie Boeseke; Dirk Kolff Breymann; Ronald E. Bruns; Larry and Theresa Caccese; John M. Carroll, Jr.; L.M. Cavaletto Ranch; Helen J. Coffey; Gary B. Coombs; Betty J. Coombs; Mike and Betsy Couch; Jan Crosson; Bill Crow; Mike and Tammy Dobrotin; Sterling R. Ellsworth, CPA; Anabel Ford and Michael Glassow; The Foundation Roundtable; The Gartzke Family; Goleta National Bank; Goleta Valley Paint; Robert Harbaugh; Harry L. Harrison; and the Earl Hill Family. Also: Don and Jo Hollister; Institute of Museum and Library Services; Morse and Opal Jeffers; Josiah F. Jenkins; Mr and Mrs Josiah C. Jenkins; Ruth M. Johnson; Ellen G. Keeter; Ralph and Scott Kornahrens; Clifford and Stella Kramer; G. Ronald Larrieu; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel V. Lopez; The Lyon Family; Bill McKeag; Bob and Helen McPherrin; Mid-State Bank; Robert W. Miesbauer; and Ed and Kathy Miller. And: Warren P. Miller; Josephine A. Millett; Isabel Friend Newman; Phyllis J. Olsen; Paradise Machining Corporation; Godwin J. Pelissero and Deborah S. Pelissero; Doris Phinney; and Lee and Suzanne Polansky. And: George R. Potter; Bill and Arlene Radasky; Santa Barbara Bank & Trust; Santa Barbara Foundation; Ed and Judy Savage; Mr and Mrs Tallant Smith; Thomas and Beulah Strout; Steve Sullivan; Rich and Linda Thom; Hilda B. Volkman; Dana Walker; Jacob Winnikoff Family; Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, and Jon Wordsworth.

Gifts also were received in memory of Ruth Hammond and Stella Haverland Rouse. On behalf of everyone who benefits from the museum and its programs, special thanks to all year-end givers.

Vandenberg AFB Trip Set for March 9; Members Welcome - (Vol. 19, No. 1 - Spring 1999)

Museum members are invited to join the Coast Starlight guides on a field trip to Vandenberg Air Force Base on Tuesday, March 9. Vandenberg is an important part of the interpretive program that the museum and its Coast Starlight guides offer to the train's passengers, and the goal of the day-long field trip is to better acquaint the guides with many of the base's interesting features. Space is limited, so members interested in joining the group should call the museum now. There will be no fee for the field trip.

New Collections Software Is Making A Big Difference - (Vol. 19, No. 1 - Spring 1999)

Staff members have been busily updating the computerized record-keeping system that is used to record and manage the museum's collections of artifacts, historical photographs, documents, and memorabilia. Central to the updating process is the new collections-management software, "Past Perfect," which our museum was able to purchase with a grant from the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation. All of the museum's collections records have now been transferred into Past Perfect. The new system will make it easier for the museum to keep track of its collections, which have grown to include thousands of items. The new software is an important, behind-the-scenes tool that will help us to do the best possible job of caring for the rare and precious collection items with which the museum has been entrusted. Endorsed by the American Association for State and Local History, Past Perfect was selected by Museum Director Gary Coombs after a years-long evaluation of a number of commercially-available collections-management computer software programs.

Welcome New Members - (Vol. 19, No. 1 - Spring 1999)

New museum members are August and Debbie Berger, Sterling Ellsworth CPA, Walter Naumann, and Mary Lee Sanders. New Junior Engineers Club members are Cory J. Nelson, Joey Ochoa, Trevor Redfern, Amanda Redfern, and William Shifflette. Welcome to the museum family!

Silicon Beach Communications Lends Museum A Big Hand - (Vol. 19, No. 1 - Spring 1999)

The railroad museum has benefitted enormously from the generosity of Silicon Beach Communications. The local internet-service provider has donated internet access and space for the museum's web site since 1996. More recently, the company's president, Frank Dziuba, has been helping connect the museum's two computers by means of a local-area network, with donations of both expertise and hardware.

Holiday Display Features Member Keepsakes - (Vol. 19, No. 1 - Spring 1999)

Special thanks are due to all of the museum members who loaned items for the recently concluded "Toy Trains and Teddy Bears" holiday-season display. For years, Eugene Allen has contributed two antique live-steam locomotives to liven up the exhibit - his O-gauge LMS-265 and a large-scale "Birmingham Dribbler." This year, Gene added a new, third toy engine - another O-gauge operating steamer, but one that he had personally built. Another popular keepsake returning to the display was "Merry-Lee," a giant stuffed bear shared by Scotty Becker, son of museum docent Ken Becker. Volunteer Karl Harris took part for the first time, with his HO-scale replica of the Union Pacific Railroad's famous 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" locomotive. A reproduction of a 1930s Lionel standard-gauge freight train, contributed by docent Bob Burtness, anchored the entire lower level of the display case.

Many Junior Engineer Club members and their families also participated this year. Ten-year-old Max Weidmann shared his "Thomas The Tank Engine" train collection, started when he was only two, along with a bear hand-puppet that he received from his grandparents. Also on display was Michael Morden's six-year-old "reindeer bear." Dressed up for the holidays as Santa and his reindeer were "Muffy" and "Lulu," loaned by Kira Purinton. James Nivin brought us his wooden train set, each car handmade by his uncle. James and his sister, Heather, also shared "Thunder" and "Snowflake," keepsakes handmade by their mother, museum member Susan Nivin. The display also featured a Christmas bear that Eva Weidmann received last year as a holiday gift from an aunt. Nolan Fewell assembled a colorful nine-piece toy train especially for the exhibition.

Each year, all members are invited to participate in the upcoming holiday-seaon display. If you would like to be a part of the the 1999 presentation of Toy Trains and Teddy Bears, please contact the museum office (964-3540).

Attention, Junior Engineers - (Vol. 19, No. 1 - Spring 1999)

The current issue of the Junior Engineers Fun Page can be found on the museum's internet web site. The site address is "www.silcom.com/~scrm". When you reach the museum home page, select the "About The Museum" button, then, click on the "Junior Engineers Page" button. Juniors Engineers who do not have access to a computer and the internet may view the Fun Page at the museum anytime during the month of March. When you arrive at the museum, please notify the shop clerk of your desire to see the Fun Page on the computer. As a privilege of membership, all Juinior Engineers receive the Fun Page, which is normally printed on paper, along with their quarterly Depot Dispatch newsletter mailing. All members are invited to enjoy this special electronic issue of the Junior Engineers page.

Railfar '99 Trip Planned - (Vol. 19, No. 1 - Spring 1999)

Our museum is organizing a June 21-24 trip to Sacramento for Railfair '99 at the California State Railroad Museum. Celebrated only twice previously - at the state museum's founding in 1981 and a decade later in 1991 - Railfair has established itself as one of the world's premier railroad events. Planners expect that Railfair '99, which has the theme "California Calls You," will eclipse its predecessors both in size and audience participation. As always, the event will be highlighted by lots of historic locomotives and cars, special train operations, performances and exhibits.

Our museum group, which is limited to a maximum of 20, will depart Santa Barbara on Monday, June 21 aboard Amtrak's Coast Starlight. We'll enjoy our museum's own "California's Wonderful Corner" interpretive program along the way, then spend the night at Oakland's Jack London Square (to avoid the northbound Starlight's late-night Sacramento arrival). Tuesday we'll complete our journey on the early morning Capitol train. There'll be two full days in Sacramento, where we'll stay downtown at the Best Western Sutter House. Our Thursday return will be via the Coast Starlight. Cost of the trip is $295 per person, based on double occupancy, which includes three nights lodging, continental breakfasts, train fares, and admission to Rail Fair. To make reservations, or for further information, please call the museum at 964-3540.