8/31/2011
CASS, W.Va. – The Community Building in the Town of Cass has opened its doors after several years of restoration. The first floor is complete. The exterior has been returned to pristine white clapboards and the front steps and entrance are restored to the original construction. The Community Center will be used for meetings and for entertainment.
“It took a lot of work. There are many people, from park staff to Cass residents who helped accomplish the restoration,” said Rob Sovine, superintendent at
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Funding for restoration of the Community Building came from the Mountain State Railroad and Logging Historical Association through grants and donations. The extensive undertaking occurred over the past three years.
“The Shay locomotives are the real attraction at Cass, but the Town of Cass and community spirit are large parts of why Cass Scenic Railroad is unique and stands apart from other tourist trains,” Sovine said. “There are the train and locomotives, but Cass is a living town.”
West Virginia’s state park system operates Cass Scenic Railroad. Twenty of the original homes in Cass are restored for vacation rentals in addition to the Company Store, restaurant, Cass Showcase, maintenance shops, train rides and special events.
Bluegrass Weekend at the Restored Community Center Sept. 9 and 10
Valley Bluegrass Band will perform at the Community Center on Friday, Sept. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 10, the band performs from 4 to 6 p.m. There is no admission charge and the concerts are open to the public. The Last Run Restaurant will have hot dogs and other refreshments available for sale. The event and building is a smoke and alcohol free. Valley Bluegrass Band is from the Mercer County area and plays frequently at Camp Creek State Park and other venues across West Virginia.
About Cass Train Trips and remaining Special evening trains in 2011
Cass Scenic Railroad offers train rides up Cheat Mountain to Whittaker Station and Bald Knob. Daily trips to Whittaker continue through October 30 and a trip to Bald Knob occurs at noon every day except Mondays. There are eight mid-week dates in September that trains do not run. Those dates are Sept. 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22. Cass opens on Memorial Weekend and stops train runs on the last Sunday in October. Company houses are open year-round.
Several special evening trains are scheduled in September and October. The murder mystery,
“End of the Line for Brakeman Tom Hansen,” is Sept. 2 and again on Sept. 23.
Bluegrass Buffet evenings are Sept. 3 and 24. The one-time-only
Halloween Train is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29. Evening trains require advance reservations. These trains include the ride, meal and entertainment.
For more information about Cass Scenic Railroad State Park visit,
www.cassrailroad.com or call 304-456-4300.
Contact Information
Geraldine Bartels or Rob Sovine
304-456-4300
Geraldine.E.Bartels@wv.gov or
Rob.S.Sovine@wv.gov