It was a Saturday night to be remembered.
And, reflections of the good ole days almost came back to real life. We rode the new Kansas Belle Dinner Train from Baldwin City to Ottawa and back again.
A five-course prime rib supper, as we’re prefer to call it, was fit for a king, most likely, but a cowboy and his longtime bride sure enjoyed the suit-and-tie snazziness too. On top of that, as all passengers did on the return route, we had talking parts in a live “who done it?” mystery.
It’s all a story in itself that we’ll relay in formality at a later point. But, the historical volunteer Midland Railway’s Engine 142 powered our excursion in meticulously renovated Canadian railroad dining cars from the 1940s.
That decade had more cross-country train travel than any other time in history. Big Band music of the’40s, featuring the Andrews Sisters, provided appropriate atmosphere.
This was one of the kick-off runs for the Kansas Bell Dinner Train, since manager Bruce Eveland moved his lifetime dream venture from Fremont, Nebraska, where he had operated it for 25 years, to Baldwin City in recent months.
For those who can envision a railroad conductor, Eveland donned an appropriate hat and welcomed registered guests aboard. He then transformed to be the most congenial host and train ride interpreter.
Sweet assistance from hostess Terri Lois Gregory, business development manager, and the generously attentive professional serving team added pleasure.
Reminded us of our train rides as a youth when Uncle Don was a Missouri Pacific engineer. On more than one occasion, we’d board the train Saturday night with Aunt Lu, and ride to Kansas City where we’d spend Sunday at Swope Park, other locations, and return that evening.
After Uncle Ted became a Highway Patrolman, Mom would take us on the Saturday passenger train for Sunday family visits, when he was headquartered at El Dorado, Wellington and finally Scott City.
Memories for our better half are of riding the train all by herself as a young teenager to Colorado to visit her aunt and then her brother.
While the train ride was most enjoyable, it’s still impossible to relive the past.
Reminds us of Ecclesiastes 7:10: “Don’t always be asking, ‘Where are the good old days?’ Wise folks don’t ask questions like that.”
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