By Dick Pennick
Our 1894 La Mesa Depot museum, in downtown La Mesa, has been open and staffed by museum volunteers since June fifth and it looks like this will continue through the end of the year. The depot is open Thursday evenings, through August, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Sunday afternoons were tried but few visitors came by so this was discontinued. Saturdays seem to be the best time to attract visitors. The adjacent Southern Pacific caboose has also been open to visitors, staff permitting.
Response to my appeals for docents has been encouraging, with eleven members so far taking their turns at this relaxed, fun, close-in promotional activity. We could still use more docents so if you would like to take a turn talking to the locals about rail history, call 619-463-2276 and get on the list. All the training and information you will need will be provided. Here is the honor roll of docents who have been showing off our award winning depot: Betty Conklin, Sherwin Dorris, Duane Dubke, Corrine Gallagher, Dick Pennick, Mike Retz, Sid Saltstein, Sandy Schussler, Bob Schussler and Bruce Semelsberger.
The La Mesa Depot was painted last fall by the La Mesa Kiwanis Club with a paint donation by Larry Rose and it really sparkles! It is City of La Mesa Historic landmark No. 6 and is the oldest commercial building in town still on it's original site. Added to this I recently discovered a very rare photograph of the station agent sitting at his telegraph desk in the operators bay. The picture, apparently taken through an open side window, shows the position of the Morse "bug," sounder, clock and the usual compliment of paperwork. The photo appeared on page 61 of the February. 1940 issue of Railroad Magazine, forerunner of today's Railfan & Railroad Magazine. An attempt will be made to digitally enhance the course grained illustration and display a framed copy in the depot.
Recently, several interpretive items have been added to both the depot and to the caboose interior. A pad of Western Union Telegraph blanks is again part of the depot "clutter." Additional items such as SD&A waybills and switch lists, etc. will be added soon. A framed copy of the cover of a 1941 issue of railroad Magazine, which just happened to feature a painting of a typical day in the life of a freight crew, has been added to the wall of our caboose. This magazine was read by many working railroaders and and it wasn't unusual to find a copy in an engineers grip or cab seat box. appropriately anointed with greasy fingerprints. Nearby, two second hand trainman's jackets also hang on the wall, the result of scavenging the local Salvation Army and now it's looking more like a real working "shack."
Sad News Department
By Mike Retz
Two of the museum's long time members, and veteran railroaders, have passed away since the last issue of the newsletter. Leonard Lovett, Life Member No. 126, Left us in June and Maurice "Maury" Fennel, another Life Member, passed away in August.
Maury Fennell was born in Kansas City where his father and several relatives worked for the railroad. He wanted a railroad job too but his eyes weren't good enough to pass the physical. His dad died when he was eleven and his mom moved the family to San Diego in 1940. He Joined the Navy in the late days of WWII and served in the Korean War. Maury retired from the Navy in 1969 as a Master Chief after a long career sen ing his country.
Maury realized his railroading dream by way of the museum at Campo where he served as a conductor and engineer on our excursion trains for many years. When failing health caused him to give up his volunteer railroad jobs he still came out to Campo to visit old friends and ride the train.
Leonard Lovett was born in of Hawkins, Texas, in 1920 and worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad firing steam locomotives until joining the Army in WWII. After the war he moved to Imperial Valley and got a good job with the Imperial Water District as a heavy equipment operator. He retired after a 40 year career with the district.
Like Maury, Leonard was a regular volunteer on our Miller Creek train crew. He was also the museum's time keeper as one of his hobbies was collecting and restoring old railroad watches. He repaired and certified watches for our crew for years. Dick Pennick and Mike Retz attended the graveside services in El Centro and both spoke to the gathered mourners about Leonard's love for trains and the museum.
Maury Fennell with his grandson investigate the running boards of one of the museums tank cars. Do all railroaders get their start like this young lad? Look for another Fennell at Campo soon!
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