My City August 2022

All Aboard! Behind the Scenes at Huckleberry Railroad BY CHERYL DENNISON ® PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATY KILDEE There’s no better way to step back into a simpler time than by visiting Crossroads Village and taking a ride on the Huckleberry Railroad. I spent a beautiful, sunny day at the Village to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the railroad works.

During the summer, the train runs three times a day Thursday through Sunday – noon, 2pm and 4pm. The 40-minute ride travels nine miles of track and currently, the train can carry 350 passengers. The Conductors Incredibly cheerful, friendly and knowledgeable, the Huckleberry Railroad Conductors love what they do. Head Conductor Bill Cesaro is often seen playing his ukulele around the Village to entertain visitors. He has been employed there for 23 years, and says he has worked in every building at Crossroads. He previously worked in the model train department at Rider’s Hobby Shop in Flint. “I came out here to do the real thing,” he says with a smile. “My strength is all of these guys (his fel low conductors). Without them, this would be nothing – like a balloon without air.” 

About Huckleberry Railroad It has been said that the Huck leberry Railroad got its name be cause the train ran so slowly that passengers could easily jump off, pick some huckleberries and jump back on again. Part of the Flint Pere Marquette Railroad, it began operating in 1857. The train operates with coal-powered, steam engine loco motives. It currently pulls eight coaches, each numbered and each with its own story. The caboose serves several functions and is where the conductor sits during the train runs. There are several railroad events scheduled throughout the year: Halloween at Crossroads, Christmas at Crossroads, Rail fans Weekend and A Day Out With Thomas™.

HEAD CONDUCTOR BILL CESARO

11