La Plata, Missouri, Rail Events on February 23, 2008

Report and Photographs by Carl Morrison. Comments welcome at Carl@TrainWeb.com

Ribbon Cutting of the "Exhibition of Amtrak History," LaPlata, Missouri.

The last time I was in LaPlata, the ties and rails were being set for the two former Amtrak Express Cars that would become the "Exhibition of Amtrak History" on the property of the Depot Inn & Suites, A New Railroad Themed Hotel 1245 North Brown Street, LaPlata, MO 63549 Phone: 660.332.4669 This trip was to report on the Ribbon Cutting for this Historic Exhibit.

Since I arrived two days before the Ribbon Cutting, I got to see the Exhibition cars both under gray and sunny skies. The first photos below were taken the day I arrived:

(Remember: Click any photo in this report for a double-sized picture; Click BACK in your browser to return to this page.)

	The two express rail cars have been fitted with electricity and heating. The doors have been permanently opened, and a door and window have been installed and a ramp to these doors has been installed.
The ramps to the exhibit looked more like a ski jump on this snowy Missouri day.	The Museum's cars are authentic and look as if one could couple up and take them onto the main line.

As we used to say about Midwest Weather, "If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes and it will change." This was true for February 23, which turned out to be sunny by the 1:30 pm Ribbon Cutting.

The exhibits of Amtrak history are very well organized. Cases hold items related to various Amtrak Routes around the Untied States. Donations are accepted.

The 1:30 Ribbon Cutting time arrived and the sun was bright. Maria Snodgrass, Depot Inn Manager, began working with the invited dignitaries.

Anne McGinnis, Amtrak Area Sales and Marketing Associate (left), with Maria Snodgrass, Depot Inn Manager (right).	Chris Guenzler with Anne McGinnis, on the entry to the Museum which was an excellent outdoor stage.
Tom Marshall, Owner of the Depot Inn & Suites and the Silver Rails Resort, was the Master of Ceremonies and introduced the guest speakers.	Bob Cox, Show-n-Off Photography and DJ Service, presented the Museum with a collage of historic Amtrak locomotive photographs, taken by his dad and himself.

Local media, Channel 2 and 3, covered all the events of the day.	Barbara Cepinko, Steve Grande, and Ray Burns of TrainWeb.com and Silver Rails Resort, look on as speeches were made.
	Witnesses to this Historic Museum Opening.

	Bob Williams, Huntley, IL, green coat, helped photograph the festivities for TrainWeb.com. Photos from his Southwest Chief while returning from LaPlata, MO, to Naperville, IL, can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com/bikefifty/FarmsAndBarnsAcrossTheMidwest

The Kirksville Ambassadors presented Tom and Kelly Marshall (above) with their "First Dollar of Clear Profit."

This was truly a National Event. The two attendees (below) represent both coasts.

Carol Walker, Bella Vista Travel 4012 Katella Ave Ste 102 Los Alamitos, California 90720 (562)594-6771	Anne McGinnis, Amtrak Area Sales and Marketing Associate 60 Massachusetts Ave, NE, 4E-411 Washington, DC, 20002
Anne McGinnis, Amtrak, and Chris Guenzler, California, soon to reach One Million Miles of Amtrak Travel, cut the ribbon opening the Museum.	When the blue ribbon falls, the guests are invited to view the Exhibition for the first time.

First visitors to the new museum
Donnie Sizemore, local builder intimately involved with the Depot Inn and Events Center construction, enjoys a laugh with Bob Williams, Huntley, IL.	The west/back side of the Museum had nice afternoon light after the ribbon cutting.

Even the USPS logo on the cars is historical.

They follow directions here!

Proceeds from the Silver rails event Center Grand Opening Gala will support the American Passenger Rail Heritage Foundation Laplata, MO 63549.

For Information about the APRHF, or to donate items, gifts, or volunteer time, contact Thomas Marshall, Email: APHRF@APRHF.com www.APRHF.com.

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