Everyone’s favorite kitten turned 73 years old this September. It is hard to believe that she has been around that long, but a star was born on page 95 of the September 1933 Fortune Magazine, Chessie’s big debut.

To commemorate the longevity and importance of the longtime C & O mascot the St. Albans Chesapeake and Ohio Modelers gathered at the C & O depot in St. Albans for a birthday party for the sleepy kitten. The beautifully restored depot was the perfect setting for the get-together. As modern CSXT trains rumbled by outside, model railroaders, railfans and Chessie enthusiasts enjoyed all the festivities of a birthday party for a celebrity.

Chris Crouch baked and decorated a beautiful cake, worthy of Chessie’s meow. The delicious cake was cut by SACOM president Russ Miller and served free to all present.

Chris Crouch created this delicious work of art.

SACOM president Russ Miller cuts Chessie’s birthday cake. Not the only cake he would cut this day!

Inside the depot was a display of Chessie and C&O items and model trains. The highlight of the display was an extensive framed collection of original Chessie calendars. The beautifully framed calendars, dating back to 1934, were displayed by Tom Clay.

Tom Clay displayed his extensive and beautifully framed original Chessie calendars.

Some of the more interesting models on display were the custom painted HO models by Scott Cyrus. Of course, displaying them on the large scale C & O flat car built by Doug Andre ensured everyone noticed them. It is obvious Doug takes his C & O modeling serious.

The highly detailed large scale C & O flat car was built and displayed by Doug Andre, and used as a display stand by Scott Cyrus for his HO models.

While folks admired the inside displays and the restored C & O St. Albans depot, outside was a blast from the past. Ernie Clay and friends brought a large air compressor and equipment to sound old railroad steam whistles and horns. Every half hour, or whenever a train would pass, Ernie and crew would fire up the equipment and sound several old whistles, many of C & O heritage, as well as some horns from retired diesels. The whistles could be heard several miles away, echoing through the Kanawha and Coal River valleys.

From left, Scott Greathouse, Ernie Clay, Matt Shawver and Mike Mullins put on a show for the ears, featuring several old whistles and horns.

The crew in 8107 sounds a warning for the 5th Street crossing then gets a toot in return from the crew on the whistles.

Around 3:00pm the outside gang put away their earplugs and packed up the horns. The inside crew folded up the tables and boxed up the model trains. Event chairman Jim Pickett had produced a fun day of activities for one and all. But the day was not over for SACOM members and some invited guests.

At five-o-clock another celebration took place at the St. Albans depot! This celebration wasn’t celebrating railroadings past, but rather a bright future with railroad flavor. SACOM President Russ Miller and SACOM member Tammy Bledsoe decided the C & O depot in St. Albans was the perfect place to start their life together. Both Tammy and Russ are CSXT employees, so getting married in a historic depot is completely logical.

So before family and friends Tammy and Russ took the vows, exchanged rings and smooched for the first time as man and wife. And somehow, CSX managed not to run a train during the actual ceremony!

Russ and Tammy Miller, the perfect wedding photo.

Everyone at SACOM wishes Mr. and Mrs. Miller all the happiness that life together can bring. Heres to many anniversary parties at the depot!