Re: 1960s and 1970 Preservationist Plaque in Chama Depot

Thanks Greg, One of the most enjoyable parts of the 40th anniversary activities for me was working with Terry and Ernie on these plaques. After talking to Chili John on the phone for years, I hoped we would honor the guys who saved the CATS from being scrapped while they are still around. While many of the guys named on them are gone now, it is fitting to remember their names for what they did at a certain place and time.

When we were conducting interviews on Monday morning, I was struck by how there was a 'prefect storm' of right conditions for them to triumph. When things went wrong, (and there was plenty that could and did) they always found a way around it to move forward. Without their amazing efforts, this railroad would only be a memory.

The railroad has had many heros over the years doing what they could to sustain it. Each one has brought their skills and passion to the table to do what they could to help. I think that the two plaques that hang now in each depot remind us of those first guys. I hope that all of us are up to the task of doing what we can to carry on with their work.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/02/2010 11:23PM by John Cole.