WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM CELEBRATES PUGET SOUND PASSENGER TRAINS WITH LECTURE, EXHIBIT
AUBURN, Wash. – Jan. 17, 2008 – The White River Valley Museum celebrates the railways whose presence caused the growth of many towns in the that were the sole means of transportation between Pacific Northwest towns and cities before and during the rise of the automobile, with a series of events, including a railroad lecture on Feb. 1 and the exhibit “Passenger Trains of Puget Sound, 1900 to 1970” that opens Feb. 6 and runs through April 27.
Join local author, photographer and Burlington Northern retiree Jim Fredrickson for a museum open house and railroad lecture on Feb. 1, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Fredrickson has written three books about railroads in the Northwest and will set the stage for “Passenger Trains of Puget Sound, 1900 to 1970.” The museum open house is 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. followed by a lecture and slideshow from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children and seniors.
“Passenger Trains of Puget Sound, 1900 to 1970” is a collection of historic photos, timetables, dining car memorabilia, advertisements, uniforms and other artifacts from the days when everyone traveled by train, courtesy of Jim Fredrickson. All of the historic images displayed in this exhibit were taken by Fredrickson during his long career with the railroads.
A Northern Pacific Railway advertisement in the May 13, 1918 Tacoma Daily News proclaimed: “Four Trains Each Way to Portland. Three Daily to Aberdeen-Hoquiam. High-back Seat Coaches, Observation Cars, Dining Cars on Day Trains. Coaches and Standard and Tourist Sleeping Cars on Night Trains. Electric Lights on All Trains.”
In addition to the four Northern Pacific Railway trains between Tacoma and Portland, there were four Oregon, Washington Railway and Navigation (Union Pacific) trains and three Great Northern trains for a total of 11 trains that ran daily through Auburn. .
For more information about this and other events at the White River Valley Museum, contact the museum at 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org.
ABOUT THE WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM
The White River Valley Museum is a partnership with the City of Auburn and combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Museum collections focus on local Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railroad.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 918 H St. SE in Auburn. Regular hours are noon – 4 p.m. Admission is free on Wednesdays. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.
The White River Valley Museum is located in the Auburn Community Campus at Les Gove Park, at 918 H Street SE. Hours are 12 Noon, to 4 PM, Wednesdays through Sundays, and by appointment for group tours and research. The Museum will be closed for the holidays from December 20 to January 2. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children and seniors. Wednesdays are free for everyone. For more information call (253) 288-7433 or look us up on the web at www.wrvmuseum.org.
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