STEAM RAILROAD SPONSORS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE TODAY

JACKSON - If you've ever wanted to be a part of steam railroading, or ride a real steam-powered passenger train, today is your opportunity.

The Friends of Steam Railroading will hold a membership drive at 3 this afternoon at the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway Company's Jackson passenger station, located at the intersection of Highway 61 and South Hope Street.

Friends spokesperson, Mary Strong, said membership dues today for new members will be $15 for individuals or $25 for family memberships.

Strong said, "Everyone who becomes a member of the Friends of Steam Railroading that day will be treated to a free train ride to Gordonville at 3:15 p.m.."

In addition, new members will have an opportunity to tour the railroad museum, the newly remodeled ticket office and soda shop, and visit with other members on the train ride.

Strong said, "We'll also have plenty of information available on how to become a brakeman, conductor, fireman or engineer, train chief, or museum hostess, and be able to participate in a lot of exciting events on the railroad throughout the year.

The Friends of Steam Railroading is a non-profit group that promotes the preservation of the steam railroading equipment, provides crews for the Iron Mountain Railroad tourist passenger train, and sponsors such annual events as Civil War reenactments along the Iron Mountain, Mobsters & Gangsters, the Saturday Evening Murder Mysteries on the Iron Mountain.

In addition, the Friends owns a locomotive, two cabooses, and is now restoring the seats on two of the passenger coaches.

For more information about the Friends of Steam Railroading membership drive weekend, or to make reservations for the Membership Drive Train Ride today, call the Iron Mountain Railroad ticket office, 243-1688.