ANNOUNCING
MARP Member Meeting
Saturday, July 30, 2011, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(Executive Committee will meet at 10 a.m.)
Amtrak Dowagiac Station
200 Depot Drive, Dowagiac MI 49047
Continuing our survey of historic railroad stations, MARP will convene this month in the depot built in 1903 to serve passengers of the Michigan Central Railroad. It now welcomes travelers who arrive on Amtrak trains from Chicago and Michigan communities along both the Blue Water and Wolverine routes.
On this particular Saturday, the village of Dowagiac will be rolling out the red carpet to celebrate Summer Fun Days. We hope you are planning to bring family and friends to enjoy the many activities that will be going on in the vicinity of the train station while we meet.
A walking tour of downtown includes the many public sculptures for which Dowagiac is known. Particularly notable are the 3 leaping, twisting cougars that gambol alongside the railroad tracks east of the station. In the afternoon, we plan a visit to The Museum at Southwestern Michigan College. The museum houses a train layout winding its way through a mock-up of historic Dowagiac as well as fascinating displays of the industry that put Dowagiac on the map: Round Oak Stoves. When we return to downtown, you’ll want to be sure to visit Caruso’s Candy Kitchen for an old-fashioned soda or an ice-cream cone. And don’t forget to get some hand-dipped chocolates for the road. You’ll be glad you came!
Remember that all are welcome and encouraged to attend the Executive Committee meeting that begins promptlyat 10:00 am. The general membership meeting will convene at 11:00 am with a short presentation on the history of railroading in the village of Dowagiac. MARP will present a certificate of appreciation to the Town and Country Garden Club, whose members maintain the flowers around the depot. We will get an update of the status of funding for Michigan rail projects. Our usual “no-host” lunch will follow at the nearby Round Oak Restaurant, 137 S. Front Street.
Service alert! While the Blue Water is scheduled to arrive in time for the 11 a.m. general meeting, on time performance recently has been problematic. You may wish to forego the train this time.
Please REPLY to this message if you would like to carpool to the meeting with others from your area.
Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday!
Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers