This article, written by Todd Preston, President of the Magoffin County Historical Society, was taken from the December 27, 2012 issue of THE SALYERSVILLE INDEPENDENT newspaper.

            The year 2012 is winding down; we have only a few more days left now of this eventful year.  Christmas will be a memory by the time you read this but today, we sit here looking out at the first measurable snowfall of the season and the scene looks much like some of the Christmas cards we have received.  We are anticipating the happy family gatherings as we send greetings to friends far and near, and we are spending a little time reflecting back on the happenings of the last year.  

            The year 2012 brought us some huge obstacles to overcome but everyday we see progress in rebuilding and changes that make us look ahead to a brighter future.  We have had to bid goodbye and farewell to a great many family members, friends and acquaintances this year, seems like a greater number than usual.  They are and will continue to be missed greatly.  We see many who are suffering illnesses or who have needs greater than they are able to conquer but then we see many who step forward to do what they can for their fellow man and it is encouraging.  We see many, many projects undone or unfinished.  At times, the amount of tasks that needs to be done is daunting and we are on the verge of giving up but then someone comes forward with a little help and encouragement and we tackle those seemingly undoable jobs with renewed vigor. 

            The work of the Magoffin County Historical Society is on-going and progressing but, as it often happens; when we work on one project it brings on others.  Such has happened as Magoffin County looks to the future with a great many good works in varying stages of completion.  The Rails to Trails subject came up at a recent meeting and I was asked to write some history of the railroad in Magoffin County.  Being raised several miles distant from the railroad, I’m asking people who lived near and/or who had family members working with the railroad to share their knowledge of this railway.

            Many years ago, on the 27^th of May in 1976, a rail car and set of tracks was brought from Royalton and set in the yard of the Hall Community Center.  It served as a meeting place for the Magoffin County Jaycees, a group that later disbanded.  The caboose continued to set on the lawn of the community center and was a tourist attraction but gradually deteriorated.  In 2003 the Magoffin County Historical Society with some volunteer workers replaced the wooden sides and roof.  The caboose was repainted and once again was usable but the materials used were not like the original so once again it is getting in bad shape.   Some clubs have shown interest in refurbishing the caboose and another faction has mentioned having it moved back to the Royalton area to be used as a Rails to Trails headquarters.  This piece of Magoffin County history needs to be saved.

            In talking with DAV Commander Henry Joseph recently, he told of paying a dime to get to ride the train from Royalton to Ivyton and then having to walk back home.  Those girls along the way must have been mighty pretty!  (SMILE)

            Although I did not live close to the railroad tracks, sometimes when the atmosphere was just right, we could hear the poignant sound of the train whistle. It makes a mighty pleasant memory for me even up to today.   

            We have a few train stories in our printed collections and more are in the Sesquicentennial volumes that are not completed yet.  We ask that you take a little time and jot down your experiences with trains in Magoffin and especially about the people who worked in the railroad yards.  You may even have some pictures that you could share with us.   

            We are thankful for all the good friends we have come in contact with and all the good works that have come to pass this year. We are starting to look forward to the new year and all that it will bring.