When club member Steve Worthen and I visited Roots of Motive Power we visited a booth run by the Mendocino County Railway Society and its President, Richard Jergenson.

The society was founded in 1983 by a group of enthusiastic railroad supporters in Fort Bragg, California, the home of the California Western Railroad, the “Skunk” train. Their main goal at that time was the rehabilitation of steam engine No. 45, a formidable task that was accomplished with the help of many volunteers who organized several fundraising events.

The Society’s booth contained amazing old photographs of the Skunk Line, very interesting maps and a brief history of the railway line which ran from Willits to Sherwood (which I never even knew existed!).

The Society (like our club) is on the lookout for new members. If you have an interest contact me and I will put you into contact with Richard.