One hundred years ago today, on November 1, 1909, WP track gangs from east and west met on the steel bridge across Spanish Creek near Keddie and foreman Leonardo di Tomasso drove the final spike. In contrast to the gold spike ceremonies on the first overland railway just forty years before, no decorated engines met head to head before a cheering crowd; no magnums of champagne were broached. The only spectators were a pair of local women and their little girls.

Today, the 100 year anniversary was commemorated by the westbound mini "CZ" on Spanish Creek Bridge in Keddie, which paused for a few moments so those on board could listen to a brief overview of the historic moment then raise a glass of champagne to toast the occasion. Shortly after the brief stop, the train took the signal and proceeded west.

Happy Birthday WP and the Feather River Route! As most here probably already know, in addition to 2009 being the centennial year for the WP, it also marks the 60 year anniversary of the launch of the original California Zephyr, as well as the 25-year anniversary for the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola where the WP lives to this day.

More on the history and construction of WP's famed Feather River Route is here...

[www.wprrhs.org]