(PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
TRAIN HISTORY … The Stryker Area Heritage Council recently held their annual membership banquet at the Stryker United Methodist Church. Randy Bible, representing the Wabash Railroad Historical Society, was the guest speaker. He gave an interesting and informative presentation on the railroad and its importance to Stryker. Trains greatly enhanced the town’s economy. Trains used to stop regularly in Stryker for the pick up and delivery of goods. In the past, boat oars, manufactured in Stryker, were loaded on the train and from here shipped around the world. The same was true for farm crops and other goods produced in Stryker. Passenger service continued until the late 1950’s. He told of the “pans,” unique to Stryker, that existed just east of town that allowed steam engines to load water without stopping. He had many other entertaining stories about passengers and porters on the passengers trains. Mr. Bible also brought a display of posters, train replicas, and other vintage railroad paraphernalia to share. The group appreciated the work and research that went into this presentation. It was an enjoyable evening. Pictured from left is Randy Bible, President of the Wabash Historical Society, and Terry Wieland, President of the Stryker Area Heritage Council.