"Shay Days" Geared Locomotive Steam-Up and Historical Programs The Harbor Springs Area Historical Society is again hosting a "Geared Locomotive" small-scale steamup to be held in conjunction with its "Shay Days" historical event. You will be able to say you operated your geared locomotive on the site of Ephraim Shay's machine shop where he personally built and maintained three locomotives for his Hemlock Central Railroad. There is no charge for participation and steamers and their spouses get in to other activities for free. If you can't bring a geared steam locomotive to operate, just plan on coming to enjoy the area scenery, the displays, and the excellent programs. Two portable layouts will be available for steaming.
The 6th annual "Shay Days" will be held in Harbor Springs, Michigan on July 18, 19, and 20, 2003 to celebrate the life and genius of geared locomotive designer Ephraim Shay. There will be numerous historical programs about Ephraim Shay, logging and railroading in Emmet County, and other historical programs about the Harbor Springs area. New this year is a "living history" an hour conversation with Ephraim Shay. Also, there will be electric model railroad trains for the children, railroad videos, and historical Shay photographs and memorabilia on display in the "Hexagon". A walking tour of the area will point out many historic spots of Shay significance. George and Mark Ice are planning to display their full size replica of Hemlock Central Railroad locomotive #1. Affectionately known as "Baby" this diminutive Shay locomotive was a workhorse on excursion and logging trains north of Harbor Springs. Also, bring your GPS and take a fifty-mile tour of the Shay railroad north of town. There isn't a better place to visit. Beautiful Mackinac Island is only 25 miles away! Unique shopping, ice cream and fudge, golfing and sailing abound in Harbor Springs. There are many varied eating establishments to try while you're here. The steamup is just across the street from Little Traverse Bay. Local accommodations are limited this time of year because it is the tourist/resort season, so please plan ahead. For those of you wishing to participate in the steamup for the weekend please contact Bruce Gathman, at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or (231) 526-0174. The links provided below are ways to donate to a cause or causes for free. www.bigcats.care2.com www.breastcancer.care2.com www.oceans.care2.com www.pets.care2.com www.primates.care2.com www.rainforest.care2.com www.theanimalrescuesite.com www.thebreastcancersite.com www.thechildhealthsite.com www.thehungersite.com www.therainforestsite.com
