Rhythm of the Rails 2023

 This post is a little late but none the less was a significant event in 2023.

On Saturday, April 15, the Marshall County Arts Cooperative sponsored a live music and video presentation in the Waterville Opera House.  Performing were Chris Biggs and Ken Gustin, better known as "Biggs and Gustin", from Manhattan, Kansas.

Preceding the concert, MCRHS gave rides going west from Waterville to "Somewhere".  At "Somewhere" the train was robbed by three riders on horseback.  Sharon King was along for t
he ride as a history re-enactor.

A bus load of about 50 participants from Topeka attended the event and overall about 100 participants and helpers took advantage of a meal prepared and served at the Weaver Hotel.

Ken and Chris did a warm up session at the Nigley Saloon on Friday evening prior to the 2pm performance on Saturday.  They perform on a regular basis at the Little Grill and Bluestem Hotel in Manhattan as well as various other locations.  For more information on Chris and Ken, visit their web site at https://biggsandgustin.com/.

Providing special assistance for the concert were Bruce Dierking, reading a script during the video portions, Tommy McNish for doing the computer and video work, and Kathy Menzel for operating the lighting in the opera house.  Prior to the concert, Beverly Hedke played the piano for entertainment in the Nigley Saloon.

At the conclusion of the show, Ann Walter made a presentation to the family of Milford Godsey to recognize him for being the last Missouri Pacific RR ticket agent in Waterville.

A second performance of the "Rhythm of the Rails" is being planned for June 8, 2024.

Ghost Ride 2023

 On Sunday, October 22, MCRHS had a fall event with five "ghost rides" leaving Waterville and traveling west to "Somewhere".  There were a total of 99 passengers during the event with a net revenue of $633.

Sandy Harding was the event organizer.  Other MCRHS members helping with the event were Gene Harding, Ann Walter, Charles and Mary Weickert, Jim Turner, Pat and Kenny Winkenwader, Casey Campbell, and Chelsea Fisher.  Also helping out were Karl Prinslow and Parker Winslow.