Sac History Happenings: A wild west train wrought in wood

Sac History Happenings

News and developments in Sacramento and California history

September 18, 2012

A wild west train wrought in wood

Today the Railroad Museum unveils a whimsical exhibit depicting an 1880s steam train carved out of wood by master whittlers. Accompanied by "a handcar, water tower, railroad depot, crossing gate and a cadre of more than 40 humorous characters from all walks of life in the West," this display will sure to delight visitors of all ages.

It took 25 artisans of the Caricature Carvers of America a year to meticulously whittle, sculpt and paint the colorful ensemble. On Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. the carvers will be on hand to meet the public and provide a special demonstration of the whittler's art.

"Whittle Stop" will be available for public viewing for one year in the Gallery Lobby near the Museum entrance and store.

What: "Whittle Stop: A Cast of Caricatures on a Wild West Train" Exhibit
Where: California State Railroad Museum, Old Sacramento State Historic Park
When: Sept. 18 through Sept. 2013
Cost: Museum admission -- $10 adults; $5 youths ages 6-17; free for children ages 5 and under.
For more info: 916-445-6645 or website

PHOTO CREDIT: 1880s steam engine, part of the Whittle Stop exhibit. Courtesy California State Railroad Museum

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California and Sacramento have a long, rich, vibrant history. And our region is blessed with an abundance of historical resources maintained by museums, libraries, archives and societies. This blog aims to alert readers to the latest developments in local/state historical education and research.

Send tips concerning upcoming exhibits, tours, lectures and meetings, as well as new books, magazine articles and online collections to the blog's contributors.

The Contributors:

Michael Dolgushkin

Michael Dolgushkin is Manuscript Librarian at the California State Library History Section. He is co-author of San Francisco's California Street Cable Cars and is a frequent contributor to the California State Library Foundation Bulletin. Contact him at mdolgushkin@library.ca.gov.

Amanda Graham is a Certified Archivist working in the Sacramento Room of the Sacramento Public Library. She earned a BS in History from Southern Oregon University and a MS in Information Studies with an emphasis in archives from The University of Texas at Austin. Contact her at agraham@saclibrary.org.

Pete Basofin is Director of Editorial Research at The Sacramento Bee. He previously worked at The St. Petersburg Times and Columbia (Mo.) Daily Tribune. Contact him at pbasofin@sacbee.com.

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