ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Delta County community members hit the links on Thursday to preserve a piece of local history.
The Gladstone Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority held its annual golf tournament fundraiser at the Escanaba Country Club. Participants played 18 holes of golf, entered raffles, and enjoyed a meal together. They could also try to make a hole-in-one for a chance to win a new vehicle from O’Connor’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Pickford.
Each year, the money raised goes toward the upkeep of the steam engine on display along US-2 in Gladstone. The authority is also working to raise $2 million to create a museum dedicated to the area’s history with the Soo Line Railroad.
“In 1887, the Soo Line was looking for a deep water port,” Authority President John Pickard explained. “When they crossed the Escanaba River, they ran out of money, so they reached out to Canadian Pacific Railroad. They lent them the money, and they were able to continue on to Sault Ste. Marie from Minneapolis, with Gladstone being a major hub. We’re just really glad to be part of the community and keep the train looking good.”
The Gladstone Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority accepts donations through the Community Foundation for Delta County. Checks can be made out to the Community Foundation for Delta County, in care of Soo Line Steam Engine #730.
