It certainly looks like a bunch of folks are considering it, according to the San Bernardino County Sun. And one of the stops would be historic Harvey House in Barstow, Calif., which now houses the Route 66 Mother Road Museum.
Taking a page from the Grand Canyon Railway in Arizona, the tourism train would run 70 miles through the Mojave Desert from the Route 66 museum in Barstow to the recently restored Kelso Depot, also a Harvey House. The route would go through the scenic Mojave National Preserve.
Interested parties will take a tour bus between the two spots on Feb. 20.
“If there is sufficient interest, we feel that we could transform Old Town Barstow into an 1880s railroad town with vintage street lights, turn-of-the- century restaurants, and other features in keeping with the period. By creating an authentic railroad theme downtown, we think Barstow would become a major tourist destination.”
Committee members say weekly bus trips could become a reality by spring, but a tour by rail is still several years away.
The committee is looking at the feasibility of using a locomotive fueled by liquefied natural gas or electricity to reduce toxic emissions.
Needless to say, I’m intrigued. For more about Harvey Houses, go here.
Contrary to popular belief, the Kelso Depot was never a Harvey House. Follow the link below for a list of HH’s in California.
https://www.harveyhouses.net/states/california/cahouses.html
It is probable that the design of the lunchroom counter at Kelso was patterned after Harvey’s famous Horseshoe shaped counter, as it is similar to the style used by Harvey. This, and the beautiful exterior, may lead to the confusion.
We’ve visited the Kelso Depot five times since it’s official dedication in March 2006, and numerous times prior to that. We’ve seen it in it’s sad, sad state of disrepair, and now in it’s current return to glory. It is a stunning restoration/recreation. The entire interior is a museum showcasing the various eras of life in the Mojave Desert. It is a room by room walk through time.
My favorite room? The research library on the second floor. Two rooms filled with shelves of books and comfy leather chairs. The books are available for anyone to read, ponder and dream of days gone by. Each drawer of the map cabinet opens to another phase of life in the Mojave, some very different from today and some very much the same. The changes in the desert are vast or subtle. It’s a mystery.
Food service is not available at Kelso, but a concessionaire is being sought, so for now, pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the beautiful lawn.
I give a visit to Kelso Depot a 2 thumbs up.
Regarding the proposed bus/train tours from Barstow to Kelso, Debra Hodkin, the Curator of the Barstow Mother Road Museum (which is housed in a 1911 Harvey House, Casa Del Desierto) is actively involved in the planning, and she will be on-board for the February 20 tour.