Thu November 14, 2013: Engaging The Future with Craig Tallman, CEO and President of the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad

Hudson Heritage Association’s November 14th presentation is ”Engaging the Future” with Mr. Craig Tallman, CEO and President of Cuyahoga Valley Railroad. Mr. Tallman, a Hudsonite, will describe the history of CVSR with archival photos, telling how the railroad has grown over the years and addressing how, as a non-profit organization, it is preparing for the future.

Mr. Tallman will provide an overview of the history of the railroad, share archival photos and discuss how CVSR has grown over the years to become one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions, transporting more than 210,000 passengers last year alone.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad travels on a track bed and rails first laid in the 1880s. During the early years, the train operated as the Valley Railroad, moving coal from south of Canton to emerging industries in Cleveland and also providing passenger service. In 1915, the train became part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, later operating as part of the Chessie System. With growing competition from automobiles, passenger service in the Cuyahoga Valley ended in 1965. Freight service ended in 1985.

In 1972, a group of enthusiasts proposed the idea of providing a scenic excursion route along the line and the Cuyahoga Valley Preservation and Scenic Railway Association was formed. First known as the Cuyahoga Valley Line, the train now operates as the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR). Today, CVSR operates year-round excursions over 51 miles of track using vintage rail cars acquired throughout the country. CVSR is a private sector, volunteer-supported non-profit organization operating in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park. CVSR owns the train’s “rolling stock,” while the National Park Service owns and maintains the rails on which it operates.

The Hudson Heritage Association meeting is free and open to the public and will be held at the Barlow Community Center in Hudson.   The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and will conclude with refreshments. For more information, call 330-342-7996.