Inside the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
Poet’s head sculpture at the end of the Streetcar route
Joyce Shumate
The Quail Creek TRIPS committee set up another great tour. On October 23, a lucky group of 20 Quail Creek residents were able to travel on the new Sun Link Streetcar. Arriving at the Madera Clubhouse at 8:00 a.m. they formed their carpool to the Mercado, San Agustin Market where they met their tour guide Alan Kruse of KruseArizona Tours and his wife, Margret.
Everyone learned how to use the vending machine to purchase their all-day pass for the Streetcar. Then they gathered in the courtyard of the Mercado to listen to a very informative presentation by Alan on the history of the Mercado area. They boarded the Streetcar for the first stop at Cushing St., where there was a short walk to the Gutierrez Bridge, and they learned about what went into the designing of the bridge.
Next stop was the Sixth Avenue stop, where they walked to the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum. An informative presentation about the history of the Railroad was given by Museum Director Ken Karrels. Then the docent, Paul, took the group out to see the No. 1673 Locomotive. He spoke about the story of this locomotive and what it took to move it to where it’s at today. This is the original locomotive that was used in the 1955 movie musical Oklahoma.
As the group moved from one stop to another, Alan spoke about the history of the many places that they visited and stopped at several downtown areas to look at the streetcar art. After traveling and stopping at the University of Arizona and Main Gate Square, they learned about the early history of the streetcar. At the eastern end of the terminus, there was a quick stop to see the head of the poet, the source of all the poetry generated along the line.
Last stop was on 4th Avenue, with a short walk to have lunch at Delectables. The wait staff was very efficient. With a very diverse menu everyone was very pleased with their food.
If you missed this fun and educational tour, you can contact Alan of KruseArizona at 520-625-8365, [email protected] or www.krusearizona.com. Delectables Restaurant & Catering is at 533 N. 4th Avenue, 520-884-9289 or www.delectables.com.