Fennimore and surrounding communities turned out on Saturday, Jan. 31, to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the last run of “The Dinky,” held at the Fennimore Railroad Museum.
The narrow-gauge railroad began service between Fennimore and Woodman on Nov. 29, 1878, and ran for nearly a half century until Jan. 30, 1926.
The railroad transported passengers, goods, and services in Fennimore and Woodman to the standard gauge railroad coming from Madison and La Crosse and played an important role in the early development of Fennimore and the surrounding area.
Jan. 31, which had been proclaimed “Narrow-Gauge Railroad Day” by Fennimore Mayor Ryan Boebel earlier in January, gave attendees a history lesson of the history of the narrow-gauge railroad that operated between Fennimore and Woodman.
The museum, which always has artifacts and information on Fennimore’s railroad history, had more “factoids” throughout the museum that had been put together by members of the Fennimore Railroad Historical Society.
At 11 a.m., a program, which was called to order by the ringing of a railroad bell, was held.
The program, emceed by Don Marish, a director with Fennimore Railroad Historical Society, began with a welcome by Board President Rob Rands, who got into the spirit of the day by being “decked out” in a train conductor’s uniform.
Mayor Boebel then read the proclamation signed by him on Jan. 6, declaring Jan. 31 as “Narrow-Gauge Railroad Day.”
A video presentation was then shown about the history of “The Dinky” and Narrow-Gauge Railroad, narrated by Jonathan Dull, who’s father, Roddy Dull, is an organizer for Woodman’s annual “Dinky Days.”
Margaret Sprague, a director with the Railroad Historical Society, then read a letter written by Wisconsin 49th District State Representative Travis Travel (R-Cuba City) in honor of Saturday’s events.
The program wrapped up by Vicki Marish reading an article from former Fennimore Times editor Henry E. Roethe, written in a first person perspective by “The Dinky” after its last run and saying farewell to the Narrow Gauge.
If you missed out on Saturday’s festivities, Don Marish announced the Fennimore Railroad Museum would be opening for the season on Saturday, May. 23.
Roddy Dull also reminded everyone that the “Woodman end” of the 100 year anniversary of the last run, the annual “Woodman Dinky Days,” will be held this year on Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30.
Part of Woodman’s “Dinky Days” will be in Fennimore as cars, motorcycles, and bicycles are invited to “ride the Dinky Trail” which begins outside of the museum at 8 a.m. on May 30.
