In what has turned out to be a much longer COVID season than anyone thought, once again the PCRRHS board members have found themselves at a difficult crossroads regarding this year’s convention. Although we’re all ready to go full-throttle back to normal, we felt there were still too many risks to be able to pull together a regular get-together. The social distancing requirements that various municipalities have in place make busing and group tours nearly impossible, if anyone is even offering group tours. Of course, the sanctions may be lifted by the October convention time, but the problem lies with deposits. Hotels and bus companies want them months in advance and will only refund a portion if the event is cancelled.
Based on the information we have now, in order to minimize financial risk, we have decided to hold an event called ‘Catch You at the Curve’, on the same weekend we intended to go to Detroit. This will be a somewhat scaled-down event with no busing, no banquet or official tours, but guaranteeing we can still get together and have a good time.
The Railroaders Memorial Museum, 1200 9th Avenue, Altoona, is the main venue for this event. Registration entitles each attendee one admission to the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, and one admission to the Museum during operating hours. Thursday night will be the display/sales tables at the hotel. Friday evening’s activities at the Railroaders Memorial Museum, slide shows and presentation by noted author and journalist Dan Cupper, are also included. On Friday and/or Saturday, attendees are free to visit the Museum, the Curve, or visit other nearby railfan locations.
HOTEL
The Wingate by Wyndham Altoona Downtown/Medical Center, located at 909 Chestnut Avenue, Altoona, will hold a block of rooms at $89+tax, per night, with complimentary breakfast. The hotel is located about 10 minutes walking distance from the Railroaders Memorial Museum. Make your room reservations directly with the hotel at (814) 515-2233. Let them know you are with PCRRHS. You can also use this link to make your hotel reservation online.
PLANNED ACTIVITIES
Thursday October 7
Registration table open at 3:00pm at the hotel.
Display/sales room open at the hotel Thursday night / Friday to display your models or favorite PC artifacts. You may bring items to sell or trade (tables provided).
Friday October 8
10:15-11:45 AM: Member’s Meeting @ Railroaders Memorial Museum.
Lunch (on your own)
12:00-5:00 PM: Horseshoe Curve or Railroaders Memorial Museum
Supper (on your own)
7:00-8:30 PM: Guest speaker Dan Cupper @ Railroaders Memorial Museum
8:30-10:30 PM: Slide Presentations @ Railroaders Memorial Museum
Saturday October 9
Attendees can visit the Museum, the Curve, or nearby railfan locations, including the Everett Railroad, 244 Loop Rd, Hollidaysburg, PA, which is running a three-hour, steam-powered 27-mile round trip, leaving at 1:00 PM. Fares are $39 adults, $38 seniors. For tickets, contact the Everett Railroad at: (814) 696-3877, or on their website: everettrailroad.com.
REGISTRATION
Options for registering online or via regular mail can be found on the registration page of the Society Store.
Banner photo by Stephen J. Salamon, taken July 5, 1975, at Horseshoe Curve.