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-- and have more trains to travel | |
Here's the complete text of the proclamation issued by Wisconsin Governor James Doyle in conjunction with the 75th anniversary on June 11 of the inaugural run of the long-distance passenger train, the Empire Builder. (For more about anniversary ceremonies in Milwaukee for the train and the Governor's comments, click here.) Whereas the “Empire Builder" passenger rail service connecting Chicago, Illinois and Seattle, Washington on a route through the state of Wisconsin along the Great Northern Railway began operating on June 11, 1929; and Whereas the 1929 Empire Builder, which was named after the Great Northern Railway’s founder James J. Hill known as the “Empire Builder” for his ability to create prosperous business where none previously existed, provided the latest in amenities including an 89-foot buffet-lounge-solarium-observation car with a sun room, a tradition of comfort and functionality that continues to this day; and Whereas during the 1950’s and 60’s, the Empire Builder witnessed several changes to painting schemes and equipment including the western-themed “Ranch Cars” meant to emulate a chuck wagon, and short and full-length dome lounges that could provide up to 150 dome seats per train; and Whereas in May 1, 1971, the National Passenger Railroad Corporation, or Amtrak, began to operate most U.S. passenger rail service including the Empire Builder; and Whereas in October of 1979, the Empire Builder became the first long-distance train to utilize the new bi-level Superliner equipment that continues to provide passengers comfortable riding today; and Whereas on June 11, 2004, 75 years since its inception, the Empire Builder continues to provide an important and enjoyable transportation option connecting thousands of travelers to destinations throughout the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest while contributing greatly to Wisconsin’s economy and overall quality of life; Now, therefore, I, Jim Doyle, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby extend my appreciation to all the associated railroad companies including Canadian Pacific Railway and Amtrak for their support of the Empire Builder and do hereby wish the passenger rail service years of continued success. Done at the Capitol in the City of Madison this second day of June in the year two thousand and four. /s/ Jim Doyle |
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