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We collectively experienced something very profound -- the arrival of Union Pacific's "Big Boy" in "Railroad City." I was heartened by the throngs of long-distance travelers who appreciate heritage we often take for granted. Activities reminded me of Conrail's much beloved, but long dormant, Rail Fest, a staple of my youth before Norfolk Southern's takeover. This past week, pilgrims, promoters and politicians ventured to Altoona for something akin to a spiritual journey.
But what now? As a historian, I not only think about past patterns, but hypotheticals. The hard truth of the matter is that, despite our city nickname, we have yet to fully capitalize on our reputation as a landmark that was once the largest railroading center on Earth. This requires vision, concerted effort, advertising and historical preservation. Altoona could have been the Colonial Williamsburg of railroad history -- if greater effort had been made to save historic railroad structures. Altoona could have been the home of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania -- had our citizenry in the 1960s formed a strategic plan that trumped that of competing Strasburg (now home of the museum that welcomes 125,000 annual visitors). Outside the Railroaders Memorial Museum, one cannot even find a railroad-themed gift shop.
We are missing the train, both figuratively and literally. We should treat every year as if "Big Boy" is coming to town. We must preserve, present and promote our railroad identity effectively. Doing otherwise costs the city tourism, economic growth, and the chance to truly deserve its historic nickname.
Jared Frederick
Altoona