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A year of planning
and work came together during a long weekend of celebration from July 20 to the
23rd. The weather forecast was less than optimistic, so the opening crew
set up a series of tent s over the main meeting and eating area and over
portions of the steaming bays. The Steinbergs brought out a canopy to
cover the Welcome Booth at the first parking lot. Volunteers took turns
thought the weekend welcoming visitors and helping them get situated at our
facility.
A pattern of arriving, unloading and running on the track,
running for cover from the rain and eating began on Thursday and continued
through out the entire weekend. Rain was a constant visitor but seldom
stayed for long. Food was provided by 2 teams; Connie and Dennis Hennington on
Thursday and Friday, Judie Warden and Tony Greiner on Saturday and Sunday.
The high point of the celebration came on Saturday with the
Golden Spike Ceremony on the Highline in pouring rain. The festivities were then
moved to the main tent so that we could continue to celebrate our club and those
who have helped us during the last few years. Then, that evening we had a
meal that continued the celebration - food for royalty.
Our visitors came from all over eastern North America- Montreal
Live Steamers, Florida Live Steamers, Mid-South Live steamers, Pennsylvania Live
Steamers, New Jersey Live Steamers, Pioneer Valley Live Steamers, Adirondack
Live Steamers, and Waushakum Live Steamers. We were honored and delighted
by their presence. Because of them, trains ran almost continuously- with the
exception of rain delays; because of them, it was a wonderful way to share our
hobby.
The whole project worked because of the active participation of
many members; Highline builders, groundline track and structure builders,
Welcome Booth volunteers, cooks, volunteers to shuck the corn, and many many
more. All day and into the evening, members worked together to make this a
wonderful celebration. George Quilies and Ralph Lombardi oversaw the
organization of the Meet. We owe them and all the others our heartfelt
thanks for a job "Well Done"
Written by John C. Mehrling
This article appeared in the Long Island Live
Steamers' news letter "Smoke Signals" and is used here with permission.
A word about Long Island Live Steamers
from the LILS web site
"The Long Island Live Steamers have been called the best kept secret on Long
Island. Although we have thousands of visitors each year, most of our
advertising is by word of mouth.
LILS is located in Southaven County Park in eastern Long Island, NY. Our goal
is to promote the hobby of building steam engines of all kinds. Our members have
built and bought all sorts of stationary as well as railroad related steam
engines. You might even get to see a miniature steam powered tractor running
around on our display table.
We also promote model railroading with two scale operating railroads. Our
steam, diesel and electric trains are big enough to ride! Visit the
About
Us page for more information on our club and its activities. The
Trackplan pages detail our two railroads." |
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