Celebrate Garland’s rich history on Saturday, April 11, 2015 as Downtown Garland hosts the second annual Garland Heritage Celebration. The day will feature musical entertainment, a model train exhibit and fun for the entire family.
The City of Garland and The Garland Landmark Society will celebrate the completion of the exterior refurbishment of historic 1910 Pullman Coach Car #582 during a rededication ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in Heritage Crossing, as part of the 2015 Garland Heritage Celebration.
The railcar, recently relocated from behind City Hall to the new Heritage Crossing corridor, represents a unique hybrid design and is believed to be one of perhaps a dozen that remain in existence in North America today. The railcar served as a passenger coach on the main line steam trains of the Santa Fe railroad system from 1910 to about 1930, playing a vital role in troop transportation during World War I.
During the 1930s and 40s, the car was transitioned to branch line service, connecting small towns in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas to the main lines. In 1949, the car was taken out of passenger service and converted to use as living quarters for a Santa Fe employee, thereby saving it from demolition like most railcars of similar construction. In 1976, Santa Fe donated Car #582 to the City of Garland for display in Heritage Park.
The public is invited to learn more about Garland’s rail heritage by attending the many themed events at this year’s celebration, including a model train exhibit and special themed story times at Central Library, as well as depot and walking tours. Live music and children’s activities are also planned.
Also featured in this year’s celebration will be the dedication of the new Texas Historical Marker recognizing the Travis College Hill Historic District, located on Eleventh Street between Avenues B and D.
The historical marker dedication ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. April 11, and will be celebrated with a tour of homes in the neighborhood from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Top off the day with a free showing of “Giant” at the Plaza Theatre at 7 p.m. The film stars Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean.
“We are excited about hosting our second annual Garland Heritage Celebration and the progress that has been made over the past two years to better highlight Garland’s historical assets,” said Heritage Crossing Coordinator Kim Pajot.
For more information about this year’s event, visit the City’s website or call 972-205-2993.