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Community Corner

A History of Trains in Martinez on April 11

Show will feature a talk and a musical celebration of life on the rails.

Let’s face it – cars get us where we’re going, and planes make the journey quicker.  But trains are where it’s at.  Powerful, mythological, they’re the most romantic method of travel, which is probably why there are so many stories, novels, poems and songs about the railroads. 

Especially songs.  From “Casey Jones,” “Chattanooga Choo-Choo” and “City of New Orleans” to “The Rock Island Line” and “Wabash Cannonball,” everyone has a favorite train song.  The history of the railroads is the history of America, and it’s a history we all know how to sing by heart.

Martinez has its share of that history, and audiences can learn more about it in a special program Monday night at the Martinez Library.  “History and Songs of the Railroad” features a talk by Richard Patchin and live music by Spinning Wheel.  The event will be presented April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the library’s interim home at 401 Ferry Street.  Admission is free.

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Patchin, a Martinez resident, will give an overview of railroad history in old Martinez, and Spinning Wheel, a local bluegrass ensemble led by Mike Elliott, will illustrate the talk with a selection of train songs.

“It should be a fun night,” said Martinez librarian Lea Stone, who is organizing the event.  “The stories will alternate with songs about the railroad.  I think it will be informative, and very entertaining.”

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Monday’s event isn’t the only program on the Martinez Library’s spring calendar.  The library offers “Mother Goose Time” for children April 12 and 19 at 11:30 a.m., and “Meet the Spring Bunny” April 18 at 4 p.m.  For more information, check the library’s website at http://ccclib.org/locations/martinez.html.

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