The National Train Day Celebration will be held at the Kingman Railroad Museum on 402 E. Andy Devine Ave. The celebration starts on Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is geared to inform the general public about railroad history, the importance of trains, and the role they have played in America.
There will be an open house with free museum entry and a raffle to win train-themed prizes. The raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and may be purchased at the museum, now or at the event. Raffle participants are not required to be present to win.
Jennifer French, museum secretary said about the raffle prizes, “We’ve got some beauties. For instance, a large moving model train wall-clock, that makes whistle, steam and bell sounds on the hour. Also, we have a large handcrafted steam locomotive mailbox, a train phone that makes train sounds for a ringer and free prizes for children.”
Also, the museum has an array of artifacts along with a large room where electric model trains run through countryside settings of mountains, railroad crossing signs, water towers, and surrounding farms with livestock. Museum volunteer, Patrick Simmons who takes care of the model trains, and is a model train collector himself said, “I love maintaining the trains and details, and meeting people. It’s a lot of fun.”
In additions to the trains, the museum has a life-sized faux red caboose, which appears to be backing up through a wall. The caboose is a remnant from the Ramada Express Hotel, which once existed in Laughlin. A Golden Valley resident had the caboose for a while before museum personal obtained it. It makes a great backdrop for family photo opportunities. Along with the caboose, the train depot, built in 1907 is a marvel itself. It was constructed completely in concrete including the ceiling. It was built this way because previous wooden depots went up in flames ignited by sparks from passing locomotives.
About the depot and the importance of trains French said, “Kingman started out as a work camp, then a boxcar depot was added, then two wooden depots were built, and finally the present depot was constructed. From there, it became a community.” French continued, “Many towns exist because of trains, and it’s true of Kingman. In fact, it is named after Lewis Kingman who was a railroad surveyor.”
The event is tied to Promontory Point Utah where the epic completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869 linked the Union Pacific and Central Pacific. This year is special because it celebrates the 150th year anniversary of the transcontinental railway. All over the country, railroad clubs and many depots are having special events. They are celebrating with open houses, fairs, and train rides along with a huge celebration at Promontory Point. Come on down, and enjoy the festivities while contributing to the culture and history of downtown Kingman.
