Courtesy photo Soo Line Steam Engine #730 in Gladstone is shown decorated for the holidays. Residents were asked to donate Christmas lights and decorations to make the transformation possible.

GLADSTONE — After 22 Years of darkness, Soo Line Steam Engine #730 is alive again with Christmas lights, ribbons and bows — thanks to the donation of lights by Delta County residents.

Soo Line Steam Engine #730 was built in 1911 by the American Locomotive Company at Schenectady, New York, and has a total weight of 493,570 pounds. It was used exclusively in passenger service between Gladstone and Sault Ste. Marie. Its last run from Sault Ste. Marie to Gladstone was on June 28, 1960 and it was dedicated to the City of Gladstone in September 1960.

Over a year and a half ago, John Pickard, president of the Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority, with the blessing of the City of Gladstone took on the task of cleaning and painting and raising funds to install bird netting. With those tasks still ongoing, the authority thought it would be special to decorate the engine for the holidays.

Residents were asked to donate Christmas lights and decorations to make it possible.

“Its our Christmas gift to the community for all the donations and support so far in our quest for a Railroad Park and Gladstone History Welcome Center,” said Pickard. “More is left to do to improve the site and with the city of Gladstones involvement this railroad park could be a tourist destination of the Midwest or even the whole United States. Painting is still planned for next summer and grounds upkeep”.

Donations are continuing to be sought for the restoration and perpetual care of #730. All Donations are now accepted by the Community Foundation for Delta County, 2420 1st Avenue South. Escanaba, Michigan. 49829. Memo in care of Soo Line #730.