This was an annual event in northern Nevada during the 1950s, the arrival of the Shrine Circus Train. Made up of several passenger cars and traveling on the Western Pacific, it gathered up children across the northern tier of the state and took them to Reno for the circus.
Just riding on the train was an adventure! For most of us, it was our first experience of traveling on the railroad. We traveled across the Black Rock to the Reno Junction west of Gerlach. When we reached Reno we left the train on a siding and walked to the University of Nevada stadium where the circus was held.
I remember something of that circus; it was the first one I ever attended. I remember a lot more about the train, the good neighbors who acted as chaperones, and the kindness of the Shriners who organized the whole thing! One of these kind souls is in this photo, Gene Backus, is standing with his hand on the train. Thank you Gene! Thank you, Shriners!
Compiled by Barbara Powell, nevadasdesertlegends.com, nevadaphotoarchive.com.
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