Successful Santa Train 2014

Last Saturday, the Northwest Railway Museum wrapped up a successful Santa Train, an event that was first hosted in 1969.  Reflecting on the eight-day event, 11,200 guests were served, more than 24,000 cookies were baked, about 320 gallons of hot cocoa were prepared, and 40 gallons of coffee were brewed.  This year's event also featured the first steam-powered Santa Train in 25 years.  In all, this was the largest Santa Train by numbers served, with 500 more guests than the previous record.

Many thanks are in order.  First and foremost, to the 61 volunteers that contributed time and talent to running the event and making it successful.  Volunteers put up seasonal decorations, served as Santa's helpers, addressed any problems as they occurred, served on the train crew, baked cookies, served the refreshments, helped in the gift shop, cleaned up garbage, and helped direct guests to Santa and the kitchen car.

Thanks are also in order to the many Museum supporters.  Many thanks to Continental Mills who donated Krusteaz cookie dough to the event; to the many media partners who helped spread the word; the City of Snoqualmie parks staff who helped clean the restrooms in the Snoqualmie Depot; the Si View Park District who maintained the restrooms in the North Bend Depot; the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce staff who helped publicize the event and host the ice rink for several days in downtown Snoqualmie; 4Culture and City of Snoqualmie who provided sustained support grants to the Museum using lodging taxes collected at the Salish Lodge and Spa, and hotels and motels across King County; and last but certainly not least, anyone who helped support the event who Spike has inadvertently omitted from this important list.

There are also thanks owed to the Museum's Board of Trustees who provide the governance and oversight that allow this event to continue, to the part and full-time staff who work additional hours to ensure the event operated smoothly (even helping clean the restrooms!), and especially to the two very talented Santa actors and their two elf actors!

And thanks to all the guests who purchased tickets, enjoyed the event, and made all the other efforts worthwhile!

Seasons Greetings from all of us at the Northwest Railway Museum.

Recollections of a Santa

The Patron Saint of Children has been a frequent visitor to the Northwest Railway Museum ever since seasonal programming began in 1969.  He is an integral part of Santa Train and has brought joy to generations of children.

Santa Train is in its 43rd season and will serve more than 11,000 visitors during eight days of sold-out operation.  The event is an important opportunity to attract a diverse audience to the Museum where they ride on a 100-year-old train, visit a Victorian-era depot, and experience a working railway kitchen car.  And the Snoqualmie Depot remains an important stop for Santa as he collects lists from children around the world. 

To remain a successful event, a very special person is required to "stand in" for such a famous man.  From 1979 through 1999, Santa was portrayed by local resident Frank Webb who played this role purely for the joy it brought to children and their families. Now retired and living in South Dakota, Mr. Webb recently visited the Snoqualmie Valley and shared some of his fondest memories of being the Northwest Railway Museum Santa.

Perhaps you visited Santa Train years ago and were once a child on his lap? Regardless, his recollections should bring a smile to your face too!

A real Santa

Santa comes in many different faces but it takes a special person to be a real Santa. Here at the Northwest Railway Museum we are proud to have had a real Santa: Francis Davenport. Mr. Davenport died Saturday, December 6 at his home in North Bend. He was 74.

Francis grew up in the Snoqualmie Valley and after 3 years in the US Army became a plywood grader at the Weyerhaeuser Snoqualmie mill. (In the days of his youth, that operation was known as the Snoqualmie Falls Lumber Company.) Later, he became a custodian for the Issaquah School District. For many, however, he was simply Santa Claus. He is survived by his wife Marcia, sister Barbara, four sons, two daughters, 11 grandchildren, 2 great grand children, and many thousands of friends and admirers.

There are many stories we can tell about Santa that will put a smile on nearly anyone's face. Here is one of our favorites: On a Saturday back in the late 1990s, Santa had to leave promptly after the last train so he could attend a party in North Bend. One of his family members brought his pickup truck and trailer to the museum all decked out with a sleigh, colorful lighting and eight tiny reindeer. Shortly after departing from the Snoqualmie Depot, a police car pulled him over. Santa was told by the young officer that he was too much of a distraction to other drivers and would have to disconnect his lighting. Well Santa was none too happy but agreed to comply. On Monday, word reached the Mayor of Snoqualmie who was outraged. “Leave Santa alone” was the short and simple memo he sent to the police chief. So Santa got to keep his sleigh, lights and eight tiny reindeer.

The Northwest Railway Museum is privileged and honored to have been graced by the kind service of “Frannie Claus.” In his time with the Museum he received an estimated 100,000 children of all ages including a sitting Washington State Governor, numerous elected representatives, and people from nearly every walk of life from across Western Washington, and even Oregon and British Columbia. Francis, we are going to miss your friendship, your humor, and your incredible ability to please so many people. And to all a good night.

Get the glow - by sharing

What makes you feel warm all over? Sharing what you have with those who have less than you do. Imagine the face of a child on Christmas morning who didn’t think Santa was coming, when they see gifts under the tree and realize he came after all! Your heart skips a beat when you think of the parents and how happy they are to be able to provide for their children.

The Northwest Railway Museum is partnering with Sterling Savings Bank and the Kiwanis to bring holiday cheer to families. Help make the season brighter for many this year, with your donation to our Giving Tree. Please bring new, unwrapped gifts to place beneath the tree at the Snoqualmie Depot or Sterling Savings Bank, North Bend branch, by December 16. Gifts will be made available to families selected for assistance in time for Christmas.