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| Sacramento has a jewel in
its midst. I have known it for years. However, for
one reason or another, I couldn't seem to find the perfect time to visit
it. But today, curiosity with a twinge of guilt sent me down
to Old Sacramento, to visit the California
State Railroad Museum. Although I have lived in Sacramento all my life, I was actually born in Kansas. But that was an accident. Anything that happens in Kansas is an accident, even though the majority of my aunts, uncles and grandparents were or are from there. My family either farmed, or they worked for the MKT Railroad in the southeast Kansas town, Parsons. Before his death, my dad worked over 25 years for the Western Pacific Railroad here in Sacramento. That was an accident too. My father was actually on his way to Hawaii in 1941, to fulfill a lifelong dream after the horrific Great Depression years. However, he stopped off here in Sacramento to visit a longtime friend, before crossing waters to the islands. But as so often happens, destiny gets in the way of plans, and reality gets into mischief - Pearl Harbor was bombed by Japan, on December 7th 1941, heralding in America's involvement in World War II. Dad never made it to Hawaii. He went to work for the railroad with his friend instead. Later, my mother was called hither from Kansas and dad married her. But mom made a return trip to Kansas in late pregnancy with me, because of my grandmother's illness. Although I have been in the Greater Sacramento area since I was three weeks old, I am a 5th generation Kansan, rather than a first generation Californian. Some of my railroad family roots came full circle today, as I walked through the magnificent museum. I discovered it was far grander and extensive than I had imagined. Climbing aboard the dining and sleeper cars, I became catapulted back in time - to a rail journey taken with mother and my sister when I was 4. I can remember it like yesterday! In one area of the museum they had Western Pacific locomotive No. 913. I couldn't help but wonder if my dad had ever worked on it! One thing for certain, for those of you in Sacramento, either as residents or visitors, you should make certain to put the California State Railroad Museum on your agenda for things to do. It is in Old Sacramento, and has convenient public parking available. There are also several great attractions, events, restaurants and cafes in the area. For more information about museum hours and admission, you can click the following link to the California State Railroad Museum.Sacramento has a jewel in its midst. I have known it for years. However, for one reason or another, I couldn't seem to find the perfect time to visit it. But today, curiosity with a twinge of guilt sent me down to Old Sacramento, to visit the California State Railroad Museum.
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