August 23rd, 2004

A railroad is born

This is a drawing that was reproduced on the front page of the Anacortes American 40 years ago, illustrating Tommy Thompson’s dream of a small scale railroad line in Anacortes. The train became a reality, much to the delight of thousands who took a ride on the steam-powered train over the years. But Tommy did not realize his dream of running track to the state ferry terminal. Instead, it ran on a stretch of track from 4th Street past the Depot and on to Commercial Avenue, where it turned around for a return trip. After Tommy’s death, the train was moved south to display. A painting of Tommy and his wife with the train is visible on the north wall of the Calico Cupboard restaurant. Bill Mitchell did the mural working from a photograph I took of Tommy and his wife Anne in 1986 for an article in a Shell publication. Tommy worked at the Shell Refinery for many years (now Tesoro), accomplishing much of the train design and construction work during those years.

Steve Berentson

About Photographer Steve Berentson

A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

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All Photos are © Steve Berentson. All rights reserved.

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PRINTS
$12 for 5 X 7 inch archival print, mailing included.

PHOTO LICENSING
Photos are available for use as prints and online use. Please contact me for pricing.

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A casual journal spotlighting
Anacortes residents and events

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Anacortes Today
c/o Steve Berentson
1102 King Street
Anacortes, WA 98221

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