Restrooms are located in this Rion Crushed Stone Office Building. Linda’s week–long birthday concluded with a dinner on the historic Rockton–Rion train. The dinner was the finale to Dr. Rodger Stroup’s course on Railroads of South Carolina held at the S.C. Department of Archives and History from which he had recently retired as director. Norfolk Southern Railway Company sponsored the dinner train out of the goodness of their preservation– oriented heart.

We met at the South Carolina Railroad Museum (www.scrm.org). Dr. Stroup is one of the dedicated railroad enthusiasts, who helped organize and manage it over the past 30 years. They operate excursions over a 11.5 mile route between Rockton and Rion, just outside Winnsboro. Our trip was special for the class and was catered by Rebecca’s; however, the museum also operates train rides for the public. During Easter they ran Bunny Eggspress Trains and between June 5 and August 28 they will offer three rides every Saturday. Call 803-635-4242, weekdays, 9 am–5 pm, for information.

Tables in the dining car were set nicely for our dinner. Conductors Stroup and Richard Treme ushered the 20 guests onto the refurbished 1924 dining car. Linda and I sat with John and Bonnie Hancock. The tables were decorated with small vases of flowers and purple over white table cloths. Half–length white curtains hung at the windows. Wine glasses signalled coming refreshment.

As we left the station, Conductor Stroup gave the history of the museum and explained the sites we would see during our two–hour excursion. The former Rockton and Rion Railway had served the Anderson Quarry, home of the world famous blue granite called the “Silk of the Trade.” When the quarry closed in 1973, it was owned by Martin Marietta Aggregates who sold it to the museum. Since then the hardworking volunteers have undertaken a long and difficult process of reconstruction of the track and buildings and purchasing of rolling stock — freight and passenger cars, cabooses, and locomotives.

We were greeted by conductors Richard Treme and Rodger Stroup. The South Carolina Railroad Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of numerous railroad associations. It is a non–profit membership organization with fees being used to cover expenses, maintenance, and improvements. All personnel are volun- teers.

Dinner was served at the end of the line next to the old quarry administration building that has been outfitted with clean, modern restrooms. Rebecca’s cuisine was excellent as usual and served with a flair by Karen Seigling.

By the time we returned to the station, it was dusk. Everyone thanked Rodger and Richard, the conductors, who promised to do it again. Linda and I can hardly wait. It was a delightful trip into the rich history of rail travel. And finally, Linda’s birthday was over.
Waitress Karen Seigling serves John Hancock.
Our conductor, Dr. Rodger Stroup, served as tour guide for the trip.
Angie McDowell sets up the walkway from the train to the restrooms.

The dinner was catered by Rebecca’s and served from the dining car’s kitchen.
Angie McDowell stops traffic so our train can cross the highway.