Pittsburgh newspapers captioned a photo “the engine that still does.” Fostoria, Ohio reported boosted tourism, Toledo, Ohio confided “it’s really going to give Toledo a shot in the arm — I think Toledo needs a lot of this”, Altoona, Pennsylvania recalls that “interest was intense.” Others called it a “once in a lifetime” opportunity that inspired trips from residents and “out-of-towners” to see the engine and its train crossed headlines in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. Thousands upon thousands of onlookers and passengers continue to demonstrate the draw of Headwaters Junction’s central attraction: its very own steam locomotive.
In 1977, the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette proclaimed:
Number 765 would also promote the city. Its arrival at various points around the tri-state region would signal the city’s progressive energy and its foresight in serving important national traditions.” – The Journal Gazette
Consider the proclamation fulfilled and fulfilled often.
What if was given a home downtown?
A City’s Progressive Energy
On average over 25,000 people a week encounter Fort Wayne’s steam locomotive, Nickel Plate Road no. 765. Is it any wonder when every town, crossing, and station stop looks like this?
The crowds at Attica, Indiana.
The crowds in Ashville, Ohio.
Crowds in Toledo, Ohio.
Alma, Michigan
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