EVERETT, JULY 19: Everett has a rich and diverse railroad history that the Everett Railroad Heritage Association (ERHA) wants to share with the community through a model-scale exhibit.
Beginning at 1 p.m., Sunday, July 21, the ERHA will present its plans for a scale exhibit at the Port of Everett Blue Heron Room. They plan for the model to live at the Everett Transit Center.
“This event is to help spread awareness, build the railroad community, and support historic preservation,” Historic Everett President Andrea Tucker said.
Bill Wood will present drawings of the plan, photos of the historic buildings and mills being replicated, and the mostly finished model of the Weyerhaeuser office building, which is currently The Muse at the Everett waterfront.
Replicas will be from the 1950’s and beyond. The Great Northern Passenger Depot, Scott Paper Mill, the old city hall and the Monte Cristo Hotel are some of the additions in the exhibit, ERHA club member Jim Landers said.
Models are replicated of photos taken by local Everett historian Jack O’Donnell, who has contributed to Historic Everett and the ERHA.
The exhibit will have two levels, beginning in Seattle and going through Edmonds, Mukilteo and Everett Landers said.
ERHA’s goal is to tell the story of how three continental railways converged in Everett. These railroads, especially the Great Northern Railway, serviced Everett for roughly 80 years. They showcase the history through visuals, video simulations and models of the city structures.
“Some people have never seen the mills and never had the appreciation for Everett’s history,” Landers said.
Landers said that they hope to have a working train layout in time for the Christmas season.
ERHA meets every Tuesday night to work on the exhibit. If you are interested in joining, see their Facebook page.
“We are just a bunch of guys who enjoy model railroads,” Landers said.
A donation of $5 to the Railroad Heritage Association is suggested.
