We were back in warmer weather again. Much, much warmer than the cool days we spent in Oregon. People told us that it is hotter this week than usual here in Sacramento. All of us were mumbling about it, but there sure isn't much we can do.
Off we trekked to old town Sacramento to go through the California State Railroad Museum. Even if you don't like trains, I think you'd enjoy going through this museum. It would be a good history lesson for everyone.
The train we sat in front of was named after Leland Stanford, governor of the state of California in 1861. He was also a tycoon, successful business man and president of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Gov. Stanford was one of the movers and shakers during that era, and his power and influence brought the transcontinental railroad to fruition.
Sandy and I both like the description for this display named "Women's Work. In the late 1800's, women were relegated to cleaning and care giving jobs. Those were considered women's work. It was Andrew Carnegie who discovered that women were much better telegraphers than men because their hands and ears were more sensitive than men's. Imagine that!
The huge engine below was the last steam engine bought by the Southern Pacific RR in 1944. It is so long, that it was built with the ability to bend in the middle when going around curved tracks. The engineer's box was located in the front, rather than the back, so the men wouldn't have smoke and cinders in their faces as they looked out the windows.
I gave it a try. Not too bad from my perspective, but then again, I didn't have to keep my face outside when it was over a 100 degrees out or in the teens going through Donner's Pass during the winter.
Don pointed to something, and it looked like Jerry cocked his head and asked him if that was really true. You never know with those 2 guys.
The coach below was built in 1881 in Battle Mountain, Nevada. The ornate car had plush covered seats, a marble wash basin and silver plated hardware. It would have been a real treat to ride it back in those days.
Another fully restored steam locomotive was sitting in front of the coach.
Sandy found the perfect spot for when she has her "personal summers".....the refrigerated car!
In 1937 the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe announced the arrival of the "Super Chief", a first class passenger train. It traveled between Chicago and San Francisco in less than 40 hours, whizzing by the countryside in record times for that day and age. I love the Indian theme way that it was painted, making it stand out from all other diesel engines.
To top off our day, we supported the local businesses, one of them being the donut place! Okay, maybe they weren't the healthiest choice around, but they sure were yummy!
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