BOONE, Iowa—Mike Wendel with the Iowa Railroad Historical Society and the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum and History Center in Boone, Iowa is prepared to kick-off the new season with another series of speakers presenting historical railroad information.  The new season will begin Saturday, January 12th with a free presentation by Mike Kulik.  Wendel says Kulik had been a Milwaukee Road employee, artifact collector and historian.  The free program is entitled “Growing Up in the Grafton, Iowa Milwaukee Depot“.

Wendel said on KWBG that Kulik will present a program focusing on his memories of growing up in the Milwaukee Road Grafton, Iowa depot. Mike will present unknown Milwaukee Road history involving the depot while emphasizing Grafton’s location and importance on the line. He also will show rare unpublished photos of the depot with iconic Iowa rail scenes.In addition, important Milwaukee Road timetables highlighting the number of passenger/freight trains per day through the depot during the glory years as well as highlighting other unknown information will be offered. Grafton was located on the line from Mason City to Austin, Minnesota.

The James H. Andrew Railroad Museum and History Center is located adjacent to the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad at 225 10th Street, Boone, Iowa. Guided tours of the museum will also be available at a cost of $8 for adults and $3 for children.  Additional information is available at www.bsvrr.com.

The Mike Kulik family superimposed over a 1905 photo of the Grafton, Iowa depot

(contributed article and photo)