A periodic look at the progress and events taking place at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops in Sioux City, Iowa
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Ag-Rail Festival Set for Saturday and Sunday, August 15th and 16h
(Sioux City, IA) - Ag-Rail, the tri-state region’s annual celebration of its agricultural and railroad heritage, returns to the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District in Sioux City this Saturday and Sunday, August 15th and 16th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This festival, now in its seventh year, is one of the tri-state region’s family-oriented festivals that provides over 14 hours of programming focusing on our historical and musical roots in agriculture and railroading. The festival attracts over 65 exhibitors from three states and draws over 3,000 visitors from as far away as Colorado, Illinois and Canada.
The annual Ag-Rail Festival is a signature event produced by the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association in partnership with vintage tractor enthusiasts from the tri-state region interested in the restoration, preservation and safe operation of vintage tractors and historic farm machinery.
Festival-goers will enjoy a variety of country and bluegrass music. The tractor and farm machinery enthusiasts will demonstrate their vintage iron and threshing machinery. The SHRA will provide exhibits and displays of railroad equipment, along with motor car rides. Field demonstrations this year will include oat threshing, corn shelling and field plowing. A tractor pull and tractor parade will be held both days.
Special activates are planned for children, including a kids peddle tractor pull both days. Several model railroad displays, including a Thomas the Tank Engine layout and an O scale layout, will be on display and operational for the public. A petting zoo and inflatable play areas will be open to the public for an additional fee.
This year’s historic railroad exhibits will feature the restored steam locomotive “Ironhorse 1355.” On Saturday, the locomotive will be on display inside the roundhouse building for cab tours and photo opportunities of kids sitting in the engineer and fireman seats. On Sunday, weather permitting, the locomotive will be rolled out of the roundhouse at 9:00 a.m. for public photo opportunities of the locomotive next to the turntable. According to Matt Merk, festival director, “The roll-out of the engine will enable the public to capture photographs of the locomotive in daylight. We are only going to allow day-light photo opportunities on rare occasions. This year’s Ag-Rail Festival is one of those special events where we will bring the locomotive out of the roundhouse.”
Admission to the festival will be $2.00 for individuals age 13 and over – children under 12 will be admitted free with paid adult admissions. Proceeds from the Festival help support the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District, the surrounding farmland and habitat areas, and ongoing Festival expenses.
Built in 1917, the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District, an official project of the Save America’s Treasures Program and a Preserve America site, is located adjacent to the Big Sioux River and Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, on State Highway 12 in Sioux City’s north Riverside neighborhood – approximately two miles south of Stone State Park.
Due to the reconstruction of I-29 Iowa Exit 151 in Riverside, visitors are encouraged to use I-29 South Dakota Exit 2 and exit east on to River Drive, and turn right to head south on Military Road until reaching the junction of Highway 12 and Military Road. At this junction, turn left to head back north on State Highway 12 towards the historic district, which is approximately 2 miles south of Stone State Park.
All tractors, machinery are welcomed for display – running or not. If you are interested in displaying your vintage iron, tractors, or other historic farm machinery, the historic district will be open on Friday, August 14th, to allow you the opportunity to set up your display. For more information on how you may become an exhibitor, please call 712-276-6432 or e-mail shra@cableone.net.
This festival, now in its seventh year, is one of the tri-state region’s family-oriented festivals that provides over 14 hours of programming focusing on our historical and musical roots in agriculture and railroading. The festival attracts over 65 exhibitors from three states and draws over 3,000 visitors from as far away as Colorado, Illinois and Canada.
The annual Ag-Rail Festival is a signature event produced by the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association in partnership with vintage tractor enthusiasts from the tri-state region interested in the restoration, preservation and safe operation of vintage tractors and historic farm machinery.
Festival-goers will enjoy a variety of country and bluegrass music. The tractor and farm machinery enthusiasts will demonstrate their vintage iron and threshing machinery. The SHRA will provide exhibits and displays of railroad equipment, along with motor car rides. Field demonstrations this year will include oat threshing, corn shelling and field plowing. A tractor pull and tractor parade will be held both days.
Special activates are planned for children, including a kids peddle tractor pull both days. Several model railroad displays, including a Thomas the Tank Engine layout and an O scale layout, will be on display and operational for the public. A petting zoo and inflatable play areas will be open to the public for an additional fee.
This year’s historic railroad exhibits will feature the restored steam locomotive “Ironhorse 1355.” On Saturday, the locomotive will be on display inside the roundhouse building for cab tours and photo opportunities of kids sitting in the engineer and fireman seats. On Sunday, weather permitting, the locomotive will be rolled out of the roundhouse at 9:00 a.m. for public photo opportunities of the locomotive next to the turntable. According to Matt Merk, festival director, “The roll-out of the engine will enable the public to capture photographs of the locomotive in daylight. We are only going to allow day-light photo opportunities on rare occasions. This year’s Ag-Rail Festival is one of those special events where we will bring the locomotive out of the roundhouse.”
Admission to the festival will be $2.00 for individuals age 13 and over – children under 12 will be admitted free with paid adult admissions. Proceeds from the Festival help support the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District, the surrounding farmland and habitat areas, and ongoing Festival expenses.
Built in 1917, the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District, an official project of the Save America’s Treasures Program and a Preserve America site, is located adjacent to the Big Sioux River and Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, on State Highway 12 in Sioux City’s north Riverside neighborhood – approximately two miles south of Stone State Park.
Due to the reconstruction of I-29 Iowa Exit 151 in Riverside, visitors are encouraged to use I-29 South Dakota Exit 2 and exit east on to River Drive, and turn right to head south on Military Road until reaching the junction of Highway 12 and Military Road. At this junction, turn left to head back north on State Highway 12 towards the historic district, which is approximately 2 miles south of Stone State Park.
All tractors, machinery are welcomed for display – running or not. If you are interested in displaying your vintage iron, tractors, or other historic farm machinery, the historic district will be open on Friday, August 14th, to allow you the opportunity to set up your display. For more information on how you may become an exhibitor, please call 712-276-6432 or e-mail shra@cableone.net.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Volunteers Needed for AG-RAIL 2009
Have you had the desire in the past to be a volunteer, but were afraid that you might not know enough about the Roundhouse Complex to be able to answer questions or help out other visitors? Well, here's your chance to come out and lend a hand! Saturday & Sunday Aug. 15th and 16th is our 7th annual, signature festival - AG/RAIL 2009. This year we are expecting over 4000 people to visit the site over the two days and extra assistance is needed to help us pull this off. We have a varitiy of position openings ranging from ticket booth attendants for the main gate and motor car rides, parking lot attendants, phone receptionist, to Docents and Tour Guides just to name a few. You don't even have to work a full day! We split up our shifts into two hour intervals so you can work a varity of positions or just work one shift and play the rest of the day! If you would like to assist or want more information please drop us an e-mail at shra@cableone.net . There will also be orientation training on Saturday, Aug 8th at 1:30 pm to get you aquainted with the complex and other volunteers. You'll be given a personel tour by our staff to fill you in on the history behind all the buildings and rolling stock to make you more comfortable talking with our guests.
Drop us line and come on down to lend a hand! You won't beleive how many smiles you can put on peoples faces - you'll be glad you did!
Drop us line and come on down to lend a hand! You won't beleive how many smiles you can put on peoples faces - you'll be glad you did!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Site clearing begins on new exhibit building area
Volunteers have started to remove debris, junk, and tress from the area that will house the new exhibit building focusing on civil engineering and model railroading. The Siouxland Historical Railroad Association is in need of volunteers who can provide general labor and grounds clean up assistance. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the railroad museum on Fridays by calling 712-233-6996 for more details, or e-mail shra@cableone.net.
Volunteers are adviced to dress appropriately for working around shrubbs, plants, and trees; as well as metal and debris. Please wear appropriate shoes and gloves. All volunteers are asked to sign a hold-harmless waiver.
Volunteers are adviced to dress appropriately for working around shrubbs, plants, and trees; as well as metal and debris. Please wear appropriate shoes and gloves. All volunteers are asked to sign a hold-harmless waiver.
Holiday Hours - July 4, 2009
The Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District's roundhouse museum and gift shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 3rd and 4th, 2009.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Cameron Steam Pump donated for STEAM Locomotion Exhibit
Reporter: Odell Overgaard
A new addition to the STEAM Locomotion exhibit program was added on Friday June 19th. Mark Paulsen of Westway Terminals arranged for the donation of the Cameron Steam pump to the Siouxland Railroad Historical Association. This pump was last used to transfer Molasses from rail cars to storage tanks at the Westway terminal in Sioux City. The pump was in continuous use until three years ago when Westway discontinued handling Molasses. The 5100 lb pump has a steam cylinder is 16 inches in diameter with a 20 inch stroke. The pumping cylinder is 12 inches in diameter. The pump has a 10 inch intake and an 8 inch discharge pipe. In its previous uses, it was located at the barge terminal and used to transfer liquids from barges.
The Cameron Steam Pump likely started out being used in a large Naval ship, such as a battleship, before it was converted to transfer pumping at a local barge station and later at Westway Terminals. The steam pump’s build date is placed in the timeframe of 1900 to 1910.The pump will be joined by the KD Corliss steam engine and Ammonia compressor later this year. Its new home will be in the Former Milwaukee Railroad Machine shop. The Cameron Steam Pump will be restored to operating condition and be on display at the Milwaukee Shops Historic District for all to see. When all restoration is completed, the pump will be demonstrated at events to show how steam technology was adapted and used in the Sioux City industrial complexes.
General information on the pump:
16” cylinder
12” water cylinder
20” stroke
Weight: 5100 pounds
Floor space: 102 in. X 41 in.
Boiler Horsepower needed: 4000 psi
A new addition to the STEAM Locomotion exhibit program was added on Friday June 19th. Mark Paulsen of Westway Terminals arranged for the donation of the Cameron Steam pump to the Siouxland Railroad Historical Association. This pump was last used to transfer Molasses from rail cars to storage tanks at the Westway terminal in Sioux City. The pump was in continuous use until three years ago when Westway discontinued handling Molasses. The 5100 lb pump has a steam cylinder is 16 inches in diameter with a 20 inch stroke. The pumping cylinder is 12 inches in diameter. The pump has a 10 inch intake and an 8 inch discharge pipe. In its previous uses, it was located at the barge terminal and used to transfer liquids from barges.The Cameron Steam Pump likely started out being used in a large Naval ship, such as a battleship, before it was converted to transfer pumping at a local barge station and later at Westway Terminals. The steam pump’s build date is placed in the timeframe of 1900 to 1910.The pump will be joined by the KD Corliss steam engine and Ammonia compressor later this year. Its new home will be in the Former Milwaukee Railroad Machine shop. The Cameron Steam Pump will be restored to operating condition and be on display at the Milwaukee Shops Historic District for all to see. When all restoration is completed, the pump will be demonstrated at events to show how steam technology was adapted and used in the Sioux City industrial complexes.
General information on the pump:
16” cylinder12” water cylinder
20” stroke
Weight: 5100 pounds
Floor space: 102 in. X 41 in.
Boiler Horsepower needed: 4000 psi
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Railroad museum receives major gift from Union Pacific Railroad
The Siouxland Historical Railroad Association (SHRA) announced a gift of $15,000 from the Union Pacific Foundation for the reconstruction of roundhouse bay 1 as part of the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District preservation project in Sioux City. The gift from the Union Pacific Railroad is one of the largest corporate gifts to the SHRA. In recognition of the contribution, the newly constructed roundhouse bay 1 exhibit area will be named the Union Pacific Gallery.
“The gift is a generous contribution from the Union Pacific Railroad,” SHRA president Jon Wagoner said. “The contribution demonstrates the Union Pacific’s commitment to commemorate and educated the public on North American railroad history and the science and technology associated with the industry.”
According to Wagoner, the Union Pacific contribution was made on behalf of past, present and future employees of the railroad and their families. During a recent ceremony held at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District, Sioux City Mayor Mike Hobart accepted the contribution from Brenda Mainwaring, director of public affairs for the Union Pacific Railroad. Others participating in the gift acceptance ceremony were representatives from the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, City of Sioux City, Siouxland Historical Railroad Association, and the Union Pacific’s operating department. Approximately 15 individuals attended the awards ceremony that was held at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District.
Built in 1917, the Milwaukee Railroad Shops are being renovated for reuse as a railroad science and industrial heritage museum. This historic preservation project is a collaborative effort between the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association and the City of Sioux City. The City of Sioux City acts as public sponsor and project administrator for many of the federal statewide transportation enhancement funds the SHRA has secured through competitive grant cycles. The gift from the Union Pacific Foundation serves as matching funds for a federal statewide grant that is funding 70 percent of the total estimated cost of $426,000 to renovate and rebuild bay 1 of the roundhouse buildings.
The Union Pacific Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Union Pacific Corporation. The Foundation has distributed funds since 1959 to qualified organizations in communities served by Union Pacific. The Foundation is not endowed, but is funded each year from the operating profits of Union Pacific Corporation.
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America’s premier rail franchise.
The Siouxland Historical Railroad Association is a nonprofit museum and historic preservation organization founded in 1984. Since its founding 25 years ago, volunteers have collectively contributed over 250,000 hours of labor to restore the City’s landmark steam locomotive No. 1355 and the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District. Last year the Milwaukee Railroad Shops historic preservation project attracted nearly 10,000 visitors/visits to the historic district. The Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District and Great Northern Railway Steam Locomotive No. 1355 are designated “official projects” of the federal Save America’s Treasures Program.
“The gift is a generous contribution from the Union Pacific Railroad,” SHRA president Jon Wagoner said. “The contribution demonstrates the Union Pacific’s commitment to commemorate and educated the public on North American railroad history and the science and technology associated with the industry.”
According to Wagoner, the Union Pacific contribution was made on behalf of past, present and future employees of the railroad and their families. During a recent ceremony held at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District, Sioux City Mayor Mike Hobart accepted the contribution from Brenda Mainwaring, director of public affairs for the Union Pacific Railroad. Others participating in the gift acceptance ceremony were representatives from the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, City of Sioux City, Siouxland Historical Railroad Association, and the Union Pacific’s operating department. Approximately 15 individuals attended the awards ceremony that was held at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District.
Built in 1917, the Milwaukee Railroad Shops are being renovated for reuse as a railroad science and industrial heritage museum. This historic preservation project is a collaborative effort between the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association and the City of Sioux City. The City of Sioux City acts as public sponsor and project administrator for many of the federal statewide transportation enhancement funds the SHRA has secured through competitive grant cycles. The gift from the Union Pacific Foundation serves as matching funds for a federal statewide grant that is funding 70 percent of the total estimated cost of $426,000 to renovate and rebuild bay 1 of the roundhouse buildings.
The Union Pacific Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Union Pacific Corporation. The Foundation has distributed funds since 1959 to qualified organizations in communities served by Union Pacific. The Foundation is not endowed, but is funded each year from the operating profits of Union Pacific Corporation.
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America’s premier rail franchise.
The Siouxland Historical Railroad Association is a nonprofit museum and historic preservation organization founded in 1984. Since its founding 25 years ago, volunteers have collectively contributed over 250,000 hours of labor to restore the City’s landmark steam locomotive No. 1355 and the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District. Last year the Milwaukee Railroad Shops historic preservation project attracted nearly 10,000 visitors/visits to the historic district. The Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District and Great Northern Railway Steam Locomotive No. 1355 are designated “official projects” of the federal Save America’s Treasures Program.
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