The nonprofit Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority was formed to help maintain the locomotive that sits on the edge of Canadian National’s rail yard near the highway. They’ve also been growing towards another goal — establishing a museum in the area dedicated to local railroad history.

As of yet, the organization hasn’t found a permanent place to set up memorabilia and information, but they have been collecting items for an eventual setup. People who have ties to the Soo Line — the railroad that came to Gladstone and spurred early development of the town in the 1880s — continue to donate items to the Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority, trusting them with the care of historic rail paraphernalia.

At U.P. State Bank, a space underneath a “tower” and surrounded by windows is designed to promote various community initiatives and businesses. Similar layouts are employed the bank’s branches in Escanaba and Marquette. This month, the bank in Gladstone welcomed an exhibit arranged by the nonprofit made up of local railfans.

The Soo Line group also occupied the same area in the bank last May. This time, though, the display is a little different, explained President John Pickard.

Shirts and mugs are for sale at Upper Peninsula State Bank in Gladstone to benefit the Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority. (Courtesy photo)

A model train layout in HO scale chugs along a track, and new donations accumulated in the last year dot shelves. Informational panels, though from the same set, are different from the ones that were displayed at the bank last year after being donated to the Gladstone group from Trainfest in Milwaukee.

Souvenirs such as shirts and mugs memorializing the steam engine and Gladstone are available for purchase.

The exhibit also serves to remind people of the Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Authority’s annual golf scramble, which is the organization’s major fundraiser and this year is scheduled for May 28.

Those interested in learning more about the group’s mission, plans, status and more may attend the next regular meeting at 4:30 p.m. on May 11 at 819 Delta Ave. in Gladstone.

Banners that had been created for a past Trainfest in Milwaukee have been donated to a local group dedicated ot preserving Soo Like history in Gladstone. (Courtesy photo)