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We actually pulled it off and the plans for the new engine house are moving forward now. My head is spinning a bit because I honestly thought this was going to be a much longer fight but seeing everyone jump on board helped more than I can say. Keep an …

August 15, 2009

Preserve West Side's History

Preserve West Side's History

🏆 Won — 476 supporters Verified

Final supporters

K
Kyle S.
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Ryan M.
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John A.
J
Joey U.
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Nick H.
R
Richard A.
J
Johnny S.
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Jamie G.
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Someone
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+466 more
Started by Anonymous 19 years, 5 months ago
The West Side Lumber Company operated out of Tuolumne, California for over 60 years. It was the last Narrow Gauge Logging operation in the West. Playing a critical part in California\'s history and growth it is in our goal to preserve this treasure. In March 2002, the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians purchased the 300-acre-plus former West Side Lumber Company land in Tuolumne. Their plans call for developing the land with an 18-hole golf course, 80 homes and a hotel in connection with their casino on the outskirts of town. They have shown interest in preserving West Side\'s history and the possibility of using a railroad as another attraction to their casino. West Side Narrow Gauge Railway Preservation is a group formed to preserve the history of West Side into a living history museum, where the public can get a glimpse of the past and the areas logging history. It is important to note that the remaining structures cannot be saved. Their condition does not allow it and they will soon be replaced by the golf course. It is our goal to construct a new structure, possibly one which represents the original engine house, in an area that does not affect the Tribe\'s plans. We are currently working with the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians and the Tuolumne City Memorial Museum in this process. There is currently no group to join until we work out the details, however by signing this Letter of Support you are saying you would like to see West Side preserved. Time is a running out and construction and demolition will begin this Spring. Proposed is the following: * Establish a non-profit group with membership Once we have support from the Tribe, we will establish a non-profit group with memberships. * Construct a new structure next to the original right-of-way Construct a new structure possibly resembling the original WS Engine House. We are looking for other areas on the mill site or near Baker Siding to build. * Living History Museum The new structure will house several pieces of equipment and show the significance of the railroad and town. Acquire original WS equipment and other logging equipment for display. For now, your signature will greatly improve our efforts in moving forward. Thank you for your support. Michael A. Azzarello - Founder http://www.wsrestoration.com

Updates

Reached 500 supporters

May 23, 2009

Reached 100 supporters

February 5, 2007

February 4, 2007

I was looking at the signature count just now and saw we are almost at one hundred people which honestly feels pretty huge for how this started. If you could just take a second to send this link to a few folks you know it would get us over that hurdle so quickly because I really want to show how many people care about saving this logging history before the construction starts.

6 Comments

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Sarah Perez
19 years ago Featured

PLEASE save what is left. lived in tuolumne my whole life and it kills me to see the old stuff just disappearing one by one.

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Mike McKenzie
19 years ago Featured

My grandpa worked those lines. You cant just pave over history like it doesnt matter. Hope this actually happens.

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Dave Lee
19 years ago Featured

Keep history alive for the kids. We need more than just another golf course.

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Robert Mendoza
19 years ago Featured

About time someone tried to save these tracks! West Side is a huge part of our heritage.

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Linda Reeves
19 years ago Featured

My dad used to take me to see the engines. Such a rich history for this town. Lets not lose it completely.

K
Karen Sandoval
19 years ago Featured

SO IMPORTANT. dont let it become just another memory.

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