[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9201]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WEST VIRGINIA'S CASS SCENIC RAILROAD STATE PARK

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                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2013

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, this month marks the 50th Anniversary of 
West Virginia's Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Anyone who has ridden 
the eleven miles of rail in this unique concept for a park in my home 
State can attest to its instant attraction and appeal on so many 
fronts. Bundled in those few short miles are a multifaceted story of 
industrial might and hardworking souls that combined to make a 
significant contribution to the Nation's logging and lumber history. 
Rail enthusiasts will enjoy historical steam powered locomotives, a 
switchback track system to assist the trains in conquering steep 
elevations, and the remaining vestiges of past equipment used along the 
rail. Everyone will enjoy the scenic bliss and wonder of the natural 
beauty in which this relatively small short line, but prospering 
railroad is nestled in Pocahontas County.
  What began with lots of hope, but little publicity, drew an 
extraordinary maiden seasonal crowd of 23,000 interested visitors fifty 
years ago to this majestic mountain and manmade wonder. Set in the 
midst of the State of West Virginia's Centennial year of celebration, 
skepticism surrounded future success.
  However, since those early days, Cass has not only endured, it has 
prevailed as a magnet for the region's economy. Many heads, hands and 
hearts have been instrumental in the growth Cass has enjoyed over the 
last five decades.
  First and foremost, there is a small contingent of dedicated and 
experienced Cass employees who deserve several trainloads of thanks for 
keeping the trains moving up and down the mountain. They are a talented 
bunch. Faced with broken or worn out train parts, parts not stocked nor 
even manufactured in decades, they set about the task at hand. Applying 
their honed skills and sheer ingenuity, without benefit of blueprints 
or plans, for 50 years day in and day out, they have kept history 
alive.
  Perhaps no more enthusiastic group of individuals has devoted greater 
labors of love than the members of the Mountain State Railroad & 
Logging Historical Association. From sizeable restoration projects to 
tender loving care of collective memories of life in yesteryear, these 
essential partners are key to Cass's lifeblood. Operating Railfan 
Weekend each spring, the crew draws from the deep roots that extend 
from its debut weekend in 1965, but with every new year, they offer 
visitors something new and unique to reward their trek. And, certainly, 
they play a more than significant role in keeping the ever evolving 
horizon of West Virginia's most unique state park on track.
  Mr. Speaker, I offer hearty congratulations to all those who have and 
are taking part in a fifty year journey that continues to gather steam 
and glory to celebrate an important chapter in our country's past. May 
the lessons preserved from our past continue to help guide our next 
half century. And may the chorus of Cass's steam whistles always sound 
a welcoming note for the Nation to pay Cass Scenic Railroad a visit.

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