I hope this is an appropriate message for this group
From:
The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society
PO Box 1002
Century, FL 32535
In our local paper recently we read of a speech at the University of West Florida commencement by Ms. Susan Story, president of Gulf Power Company, the electric company for much of our region. The article mentions those who should desire to become “history-makers.” She spoke of “vision, passion and mission.”
The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society in Century, Florida has a “vision:” to preserve a part of railroading, Northwest Florida, and South Alabama heritage and history. Our “mission” is acquiring an artifact: a 1919 Baldwin 2-6-2-steam locomotive for restoration and static display in the Historic District in Century, Florida (placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989). Century’s name, of course, is derived from the fact it was founded by The Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company near the turn of the 20th century.
We have a “passion" for this project, too, a lot like the people who were here before us. Most of us were born and raised in this area and know about them. They worked long hours for little pay to eke out a living during difficult times by devoting themselves to hard work for their families.
A seed donation is presently in the bank and set aside for the purpose of acquiring the engine, “Old 100.” However, we estimate we need as much as $80,000 more to obtain the engine, transport it here, and properly restore it for a static display. In order to obtain funding such as grants, we also need written commitments of support from rail fans everywhere, with specific statements of what they will do (labor, technical advice, financial support, etc.).
Two of the three gentlemen near Mobile, Alabama who purchased the engine in the 70s for scrap prices and then restored it to operating condition, have committed their help in rebuilding the engine for a static display Therefo