BARABOO, Wis. — The non-profit Lake States Railway Historical Association has announced presenters for its expanded Railroad History Symposium to be held April 12 in Baraboo. The symposium is the largest fundraising event of the year for LSRHA. Changes this year include moving the event to the Al Ringling Theatre in Baraboo, built in 1915 by the co-founder of the world-renowned Ringling Brothers Circus and designed in the opulent style of French opera houses.
The association has also expanded the number of presenters. This years lineup will include former Trains Magazine editor Kevin P. Keefe, who will review the career of artist Gil Reid as he grew in stature from a staff artist at Kalmbach Publishing Co. to one of the most widely respected railroad artists of his era. Railroading Heritage of Midwest America President Steve Sandberg will discuss what’s happening at the RRHMA shop in Silvis, Ill., where crews are restoring Union Pacific Challenger No. 3985 and 2-10-2 No. 5511. Renowned photographer and author Mike Schafer will look back at his self described “goofy” career with stories, photos and antidotes from his long career.
Other presenters include railroad executive Chris Burger, recalling his 39 years of railroading including his time as the moving force behind Chicago & North Western’s steam program; C&NW Historical Society President James Lewnard, detailing the Harvard Subdivision in northern Illinois; Center for Railroad Photography & Art President and Executive Director Scott Lothes on the Burlington steam program, featuring photography by John Gruber; former Illinois Central Gulf and Milwaukee Road trainman Jerry Pyfer, recalling his time with the two railroads between 1971 and 1982; and former Kalmbach advertising executive Mike Yuhas, covering the basics of drone photography, the newest weapon in railfans’ photographic arsenal.
Tickets to the symposium are $40 for LSRHA members or $50 for non-members, which includes a boxed lunch. Tickets and more information are available at the Lake States website.
