The Milwaukee Road Historical Association annual convention was held in Yakima, WA last weekend. Cascade Rail Foundation was pleased to help host it by arranging the tours and most of the presentations.
On Friday, convention attendees visited the east portal of Snoqualmie Tunnel, South Cle Elum, and Kittitas. We spent a lot of time this spring getting the South Cle Elum Rail Yard ready for their visit. Much of our work was focused on cleaning up the interior of the substation and the grounds around it. Thanks to our volunteers (led by Cascade Rail Foundation Vice President Mark Borleske) and the support of Washington State Parks, our guests had the opportunity to take the first public tour of the substation. We look forward to making substation tours a regular activity at the South Cle Elum Rail Yard.
 Snoqualmie Tunnel at Hyak, WA |
 Entering the substation for the tour |
 The substation operator’s office |
 Milwaukee Road employees signed a white board outside the substation |
On Saturday, attendees visited the Columbia River bridge at Beverly, Othe000llo, and Warden. Cascade Rail Foundation brought one of the station signs from the Beverly depot, recently donated by Dr. Cheryl Meeker, for the group photo.
 Posing for the group photo |
 The Beverly sign in front of the Columbia River bridge |
 Ribside caboose at Othello |
 Visiting the Warden depot |
In the evenings, there were presentations about Milwaukee Road history. Cascade Rail Foundation Board members Paul Krueger and Mark Borleske gave presentations, along with Mike Faletti, Noel Holley, Don Carnegie, Wayne Monger, Dan Steinhoff, and Rob Leachman.
Cascade Rail Foundation hopes those who attended the convention enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed having them visit us. We look forward to hosting the Milwaukee Road Historical Association again the next time they bring their convention to Washington.
[Thank you to Mike Turcott for sharing his photos from the convention!]
