New Director

At the monthly meeting of the EDWRF Board of Directors last Thursday, Ron Callahan resigned his position as a director. I'm not sure how long Ron has been on the board, but he's been our media relations specialist for several years and is a frequent contributor to The Dispatcher, the official newsletter of the El Dorado Western.

Ron (with gold lettering on T-shirt) helps Eric Stohl position an old tie during the D&RG boxcar move last October. The ties formed the crib that will support the boxcar on the flatbed trailer during the move. Vice President Keith Berry stands to the right of Ron.

A job transfer will be moving Ron two or three counties to the west of Placerville. We expect that he'll contribute articles to the newsletter and conduct living history interviews as we locate living Diamond & Caldor employees. At the meeting Ron said that he'd still write articles for the Mountain Democrat when he could.

We'd like to thank Ron for his service to the railway. Members come to the railway with many talents. Ron holds a special ability to contact El Dorado County trainmen from years past and record their story. We may not see him around the engine house that often. But every railway like the El Dorado Western needs those with his skills and his ability to quietly work behind the scenes. Thank you Ron.

Steve Karoly at work in the museum research room. Since I take few photos of myself, I had to coach my 14-year old son to frame this shot.

Ron's departure has provided an opportunity for me to serve on the board. At the meeting, President Eric Stohl suggested that I be appointed to fill Ron's term. I'll continue to serve as newsletter editor, grant writer and all-around gofer. My personal thanks to Eric for his trust in my abilities.

As I write this, the guys are hard at work at the engine house. I'm sure Eric and Dale are installing the last corner brace on the Shay. Garrett, Ken and Scott should be removing another bearing from the Plymouth. And I expect that Sam, Dave and Bill are in the machine shop while Keith is helping where needed.

I'm heading out of town but will leave an update after I talk to Eric and Keith. More to come ...