The 60th Anniversary of Ghost Town & Calico Railroad

This Thursday, January 12 is the 60th anniversary of the Ghost Town & Calico Railroad. Be sure to scholl all the way to the bottom of this post for news on the 60th anniversary celebration.

Here is the program from January 12, 1952, opening day of the railroad.

Below are a couple of photos from the opening day ceremonies. As you can see it was a rainly day back on January 12, 1952.

Here is a picture of the ceremonial driving of the golden spike. That is actor Sterling Hayden with the hammer and actress Laura Elliot holding the spike.

This next photo is of Mrs. and Mr. Knott posing in front of engine No. 41.

Now, for the news about the 60th anniversary celebration. This coming Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. we will be reenacting the "Golden Spike" ceremony and rededicating engine No. 41 as the "Walter Knott". On hand for this rededication will be Walter and Cordelia Knott's only living child daughter Marion Knott, Marion's son Darrell Andreson and one of Walter's other grandsons Steve Knott. Also, in attendance will Ed Arnold from from KTLA the same station that covered the Grand Opening in 1952. The anniversary will actually be celebrated the 12th through the 15th with roundhouse tours and tours of the "Edna", the Rio Grande Southern President's car. Also, on Friday and Saturday evenings they will be offering dining on the "Durango" . There will be a model train display in the Boardwalk Ballroom with a display of more pictures from opening day in 1952. Anyone riding the train during this anniversary celebration will receive a commemorative souvenir ticket similar to the vintage one shown below. Also, available will be a reprint of the "Ghost Town & Calico Railway" book that was originally printed in 1953 (also shown below). Hope to see just as many people in the Calico Square as there were back in 1952.