Train brings tourists to Valley.

Published 1:08 am Friday, October 3, 2008

Last week’s article on the Historical railway illustrated clearly, the importance of tourism dollars to Snoqualmie Valley. For years, the railway has been second, only to Snoqualmie Falls in drawing the almighty tourist dollar to the Valley. But only until Richard Anderson came to the Valley as the curator of the Museum has it gained the respect and community involvement that it currently shares.

Even as a kid, living on Silva in Snoqualmie, the trains have always amazed me. In those days the tracks were actually carrying freight and my brother and I commonly placed a few pennies on the rail to flatten them out. Trains have been an important part of the economy on a historical basis and continue to be vital.

But the character of an interesting leader currently keeps the operation going. Richard’s comment that they’re not as long as the BNSF but just as wide, is indicative of a quick wit, with an eye always to bettering the railway. The community and the railway are lucky to have him in as a friend and leader.

Jim McKiernan