La Mesa Depot Report by Dick Pennick, Depot Coordinator
Our La Mesa Depot Museum in the center of La Mesa Village, continues to benefit from the generous contributions of our volunteer docents. In addition to the normal Saturday afternoon openings, we were open during all three days of La Mesa'a annual Oktoberfest and on Columbus Day in the month of October.
As advertising for the Depot Museum and PSRMA gradually ratchets up throughout the region, we have noted a tangible increase in visitorship, with a collateral increase in public awareness of PSRMA and its Campo Railroad Museum. The 1894 building (City of La Mesa Historical Site #6) is also currently PSRMA's official "business office" and postal address.
On September 23rd, docents Sid Saltzstein and Dick Pennick hosted La Mesa Historical Society's first annual "Trekking La Mesa" fundraiser, which included the depot in its walking tour of historic sites in the area. Sid recently constructed two small sign boards to match the existing "La Mesa Depot Museum" sign at the north end of the depot. The signs read "Open Saturday 1-4 p.m." and are mounted atop the existing sign one facing north and the other facing the Spring Street exposure, where most of the public visibility is. Dr. Saltzstein is a former PSRMA Director and recently retired from UCSD Medical Center's Department of Pathology, where he is currently a consultant.
New signs are also displayed in the Depot windows advertising the Depot's hours and the La Mesa Historical Society's nearby McKinney House Museum. Similar signs will be displayed at the McKinney House advertising the Depot Museum.
Also on the horizon is a general refurbishment of the ex-Mojave Northern (Southwestern Portland Cement Co., Victorville, CA) 0-6-0T Davenport-built steam engine #3 by the Museum's newly reactiviated Steam Team.
Our big event was La Mesa's "Christmas in the Village" the first two weekends in December. Hundreds of people came by the depot, many for the first time. We provided free cookies, apple cider and hot chocolate donated by members and local merchants and the depot was aglow with holiday lights as our way of saying "Merry Christmas" to the community while loudly blowing our own horn.
Other recent staffers have been Sherwin Dorris, Mike Retz, Duane Dubke, Larry Owen and Bruce Semelsberger. More people come by the depot every day than will ever see Campo so this prominent in-town facility is vital to getting the word out about our Museum. If you would like to be involved in this close-in promotional and interpretive activity, let me know (619) 463-2276.
Lt. Col. William V. Niedrich
January, 8,1916 - September 1,2003
By Dave Slater Retired U.S. Army Lt, Colonel W. V. "Bill" Niedrich, a veteran of two wars, passed away in a hospital on September 1st. With the possible exception of Terry Durkin, he was the Museum's most prolific benefactor. He served for many years on the Museum's Board of Trustees and was always the first to open his wallet to launch new projects. He was 87.
Born and raised in Oakland, CA, he was enrolled in both high school and college ROTC. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army Ordinance Corps, he then transferred to California National Guard. Volunteering for active duty just prior to WWII, he served in combat campaigns in the assault on Germany and later in Korea. He joined the Army reserves at the end of his active service in 1961.
Bill maintained over 50 years of active membership in Masonic organizations, having joined the Live Oak Lodge, #61, in Oakland, CA, in March of 1938, where he soon completed his master mason, 3rd degree. He was also a life member of the San Diego Scottish Rite.
Bill was an administrator at the Pioneer Home Prescott, AZ., and also worked with the Arizona Highway Department. He relocated to San Diego in 1974 and joined the Museum in 1978. During his tenure as Museum Acquisitions Officer he was responsible for acquiring many pieces of rolling stock and support equipment for the Museum. Most notable are the three 120 ton military MRS-1 locomotives. All of them are operable today.
Bill was responsible for getting heavy duty support equipment from surplus military and government supply depots. He got two large 6000lb capacity all-terrain fork lifts. Thanks to his astute planning we have been able to use one lift for parts to keep the other one running for 16 years. It's still going strong and is arguably the most important tool at the Museum where everything tends to be really heavy.
Bill donated most of the cash this year to pour the concrete floor in our Display building. He was also a major benefactor of the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris, CA, where he left them a substantial endowment. His eager philanthropy set the example for every rail preservationist in the Southwest and he will be sorely missed. He is survived by a nephew, Dave Hall, his wife Hedy and their daughter Julie. He was buried in Fort Rosecrans Cemetary with full military and Masonic honors.
5
BACK HOME EXCURSIONS GALLERY FAQ HISTORY STORIES SOUNDS LINKS