RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - On May 20, 1973, 25 members of the not-yet-formed Sacramento Valley Live Steamers Corporation held their 1^st Spring Meet in Cordova Community Park (not yet Hagan Community Park).  A ceremony was held celebrating the completion of the 1,700-foot oval aluminum track. Fast forward to May 20, 2023, and the 230 plus members of the Sac-Valley Live Steamers Railroad Museum (SVLSRM), a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization is holding another Spring Meet in the now Hagan Community Park.

About 200 people attended another ceremony commemorating 50 years of service. The ceremony took place on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the same location of the first official golden spike celebration.  The event included the original engines involved in the inaugural golden spike: Ken Spicer’s Mikado and Milon Thorley’s American.  Today, there is nearly 7,000 feet of track laid containing many switches to create different routes and 230 plus members in the SVLSRM organization.

The program started with a warm welcome from Andy Berchielli, Board President of SVLSRM followed by historical remarks from Don Yungling and Dennis Gramith. Gramith served several years as president of SVLSRM, is a life member and attended the original ceremony in 1973. He also helped with the expansion and acquiring the full-size caboose and boxcar that are part of the museum.  Yungling is the son of Ed Yungling who is the organization’s only founding member left. Ed also attended the original Golden Spike ceremony in 1973.

Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD) General Manager Patrick Larkin presented a Resolution and Rancho Cordova Mayor Linda Budge presented a Proclamation to Berchielli. Each framed and signed document stated remarkable historic accomplishments by the organization. Also in attendance were CRPD Board Chair, Michael Yearwood, CRPD Vice Chair Brian Danzl, CRPD Secretary Rick Sloan, CRPD Board Member Mark Matus and former CRPD District Administrator Neil Orchard.  All dignitaries, SVLSRM Board Members, invited guests and family members took part in a parade of trains after the speeches.

In the past 50 years, thousands of kids, parents and grandparents have hopped onto one of the miniture steam trains that run in the eastern boundary of beautiful Hagan Community Park. Every one of my three children have straddled the train like riding a horse and enjoyed the journey that meanders through the park, crosses bridges, and gives spectacular views of the American River while sounding its whistle. CRPD Board Chair Yearwood said, “The 50^th celebration brought back many memories for me. I rode the trains back when I was a kid, as did my wife Stephanie. We brought all three of our daughters to ride when they were growing up. I was very proud to hear all the great stories about the CRPD’s partnership with the Live Steamers over the years.”

“The 50th Spring Meet was a great success, with one of the highest attendance records in recent history. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer who played a role in ensuring the smooth operation of this meet,” said Berchielli. 

The Spring Meet, which was a three-day event, included train rides, many historic artifacts, 38 steam engines in operation, all 37 sidings full and a delicious tri-tip dinner. Everyone that attended also received a beautiful silver dollar sized commemorative coin featuring large 50 with a golden spike. I look forward to attending the next Spring Meet and wish the SVLSRM many more decades of their dedication and service to the Sacramento Region and beyond.