This week’s Bouquets — From the Gladstone Michigan Soo Line Steam Engine No. 730 Authority members, organization and John Pickard, president:

During the month of May and half of June of this year, the Upper Peninsula State Bank in Gladstone opened more than just its doors and its tower; it opened its heart to the rich history that helped shape the City of Gladstone.

As proud stewards of Gladstone’s Soo Line railroad legacy, the Soo Line Steam Engine No. 730 Authority was overwhelmed by the support and hospitality shown by Branch Manager Todd Salo and the entire U.P. State Bank team. Throughout the month, U.P. State Bank promoted our cause with genuine enthusiasm and professionalism. They hosted a thoughtful and engaging display featuring donated historical artifacts that tell the story of the Soo Line Railroad and Gladstone’s roots as a railroad town. The lobby became more than a banking center; it became a temporary welcome center and a tribute to our community’s heritage.

Even more, the staff went above and beyond by helping to promote our custom T-shirts and logo mugs, raising awareness and funds for the future Gladstone Historical and Soo Line Railroad Museum and Visitor Welcome Center. Every staff member played an important role, warmly explaining the significance of the display and our mission to each customer who walked through the door. Their efforts truly amplified the message that preserving our past is a shared responsibility and an opportunity to celebrate who we are.

We extend our deepest gratitude to U.P. State Bank for believing in this project and for championing the importance of local history. Their generosity, professionalism and community spirit helped make May and June milestone months for our mission and reminded us that the future of our museum will be built on partnerships just like this one.

On behalf of everyone working to keep Gladstone’s railroad story alive, thank you.