Photo Caption Left to Right- Authority Members Steve Viau Secretary, Pete DeHaan Board Member, Howard Keeton, Treasurer, John Pickard President, Will Carne Sr. Community Foundation Trustee and John Norkooli Vice President of the Authority.

The Community Foundation for Delta County is able to help the community in so many ways, including partnering with the Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority to help with the Restoration and upkeep of a Delta County Historical exhibit and sight. Currently owned by the City of Gladstone, after being donated by the now historic Soo Line Railroad in 1960, this Steam Engine has greeted tourist and Rail fans young and old for a generation and continues to be a Delta County Landmark for all to enjoy.

After Years of neglect, the Authority has formed a Restoration Committee and have taken on the task of cleaning and the restoration of it. Over 20 years ago, Mr. John Larkin from the Escanaba Lake Superior Railroad donated over $50,000.00 to remove asbestos, refurbish metal, paint and clean the engine and add new lighting. Sadly, the lights burned out and Pigeons moved in and are slowly destroying the engine once again.

Funding is still being sought and bird netting has arrived and will be installed soon. New LED lights were donated by WPPI, the utility provider for Gladstone and installed free of charge by N/K Electric of Escanaba. Once the bird netting is installed, paint will be ordered, then the cleaning and painting will be done by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 10-11 of the Upper Peninsula.

According to Mr. John Pickard, Authority President, “The Community Foundation for Delta County (CFFDC) goal is to make Delta County a better place to work, play and live.”

Mr. Pickard continued, “I know that teaming up with the CFFDC will be a win/win for my Authority and the City of Gladstone for the long term perpetual care of this Delta County historical landmark.”

“The Community Foundation for Delta County is happy to hold the funds for the Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority,” stated Mrs. Cheryl Andzejewski, Executive Director of the CFFDC.

She continued, “If you’d like to learn more about how you can help and make a difference in our community, please contact the community foundation by calling 906-786-6654 or emailing office@cfup.org.”

The Community Foundation for Delta County is a 501 (c) (3) and proud to be certified with National Standards.

For good. For ever.