William Tye, assistant railroad conductor: Living History Presentation

William Tye is an assistant conductor working for Dorsey Baker's Walla Walla & Columbia River Railroad. Tye will be discussing his job working on the locomotives, including how these narrow-gauge steam engines operated and how they were configured (have you ever heard of a platform of dogs being used in place of a cowcatcher?). He will also give some history on the local railroad, how it was brilliantly financed by Dr. Baker, and what it took to bring the railroad to Walla Walla. He'll also describe how the track itself was constructed and explain exactly what "Rawhide Railroad" refers to, clearing up some myths and legends surrounding Dr. Baker's famous enterprise. During their visit, guests can see one of the locomotives William Tye would have operated. The Blue Mountain is the last existing narrow-gauge engine from Dorsey Baker's WW&CRR. If the weather permits, William Tye will show visitors the train's components and describe the missing pieces that would have allowed the train to operate. The marvelous Gary Lentz will be portraying William Tye.