Reviews, Thank You's, and Messages of Encouragement

[Ed Lecuyer]

That last comment looks a little suspicious 😉

Honestly, it is not.

For those who don't know, on Sundays I serve as a church music leader at the Catholic church in Boothbay Harbor. We get A LOT of tourists and seasonal residents. We host a "coffee hour" after our Sunday service for whomever would like to attend; a few weeks ago I sat with folks I did not recognize (hoping to recruit them for the choir) and ended up talking about the WW&F instead. Intrigued, they said they may come check it out; which they did on Saturday (unbeknownst to me.) They were so impressed, not only did they write that review, they indicated they want to "contribute financially", and have purchased tickets for another visit later this month. They are seasonal residents in the area.

And I'm also starting to get recognized as the "train guy" at church, and the "church music guy" at the WW&F.

Moral: Preach the gospel of the WW&F at all times.

[Graham Buxton]

I'm wondering if maybe Ed bribes dogs with 'dog treats' from his pocket to induce dog parents to submit those reviews. 

[Bill Baskerville]

Email received....

Hello!

We tremendously enjoyed our trip to the railway.  Everyone was absolutely wonderful to my son - who is on the autism spectrum. Allowing him to help move the train in the turntable was amazing — for all of us.

A wonderful day!
Thank you all of you!!

Best regards,
Ronda, Frank & Miles

I was conductor on this train and remember this young lad and his family. He was very interested in the train and they were all very pleasant.
Bill

[Ed Lecuyer]

Another 5-star from Google:
I cannot tell you what a surprise it was to see this beautiful recreation, in progress, of steam train travel back in the 1800s. The equipment was in realistic operating order, including wear and tear.
The staff of volunteers could not have been more helpful, knowledgeable and, friendly.
Spinning the locomotive around by hand was a treat, as was a hand car ride for our entire family group.
I will definitely go again and continue to support this wonderful museum.
If your vacationing in Maine with your family, it is a wonderful outing for all.

[Benjamin Richards]

The equipment was in realistic operating order, including wear and tear.

I can't decide if this is a compliment or not.

 

[Dante Lakin]

I'd say it's a compliment. As is said occasionally "imperfection is perfection." Can't tell the story of a functional railroad without some battle scars 

[Dave Buczkowski]

Maybe he/she meant the volunteers regarding wear and tear 

[Gordon Cook]

We alway strive in both personnel and equipment for the most authentic Maine experience. 

[Ed Lecuyer]

From Facebook...

oh I am so happy I visited museum today. its unbelievable ...the people are so nice (and i got to see my nephew Jason) just a great day and I hope to come back again..so much to see and lots of history there.. thank you for the great day [...] it makes me feel good that there are still nice people in this world.

[Ed Lecuyer]

5-Stars on Google:
I brought my family on a train ride, including my young nephew. We all really enjoyed the ride, especially my nephew! It's clear that the volunteers are very passionate about the preservation of this historic railroad. The crew was very friendly and hospitable. We ended up helping turn the engine at the end of the line, it was a unique attraction that many railroads don't offer. My young nephew found it very cool and talked about how strong he must be to push a train all day following the trip. The whole team of volunteers made it an unforgettable experience. Hats off for a great outing

[Ed Lecuyer]

Thank-you email received:

Good evening!  Back home in Colorado, and before the memories fade, just wanted to thank you and everyone we came in contact with this past Saturday at the WW&F for how gracious and welcome you all made us feel, and how impressive what you and your generations of colleagues have accomplished. 

As one of my fellow travelers observed, what the WW&F organization has built is yet more impressive because, unlike nearly all other rail/historical organizations, the WW&F effort started with nothing but an ex-right-of-way which had become forested.  No equipment.  No facilities.  Zip.  What is equally impressive is that your organization spans all generations.  It is most impressive to see young adults as volunteers wholeheartedly supporting something yet more distant in the past to them than it is to us.

Thanks again for a splendid, most memorable day!  Hope things continue to go well for you all and the WW&F, and you'll see my continuation as a contributor.  Too bad Denver is so far away!

Best - Pete Rickershauser

[Ed Lecuyer]

5 Stars on Google:
We had a great time on the "A-No.1 Hobo Experience" train ride!

And TripAdvisor:
Hobo experience was so much fun! Felt we really were hopping on and taking a free ride! Cards, music and relaxing. Will be back for more!

And Yelp:
Very informative and fun trip on a narrow gauge railroad! Friendly, knowledgeable staff. You can tell that all the workers there are passionate about the railroad and bringing history alive. Make sure you check out the other buildings to see classic rolling stock and several steam locos that are being built/restored. Nothing like the sound of a steam locomotive chugging up a 4% grade! This would be a great family outing as well.

[Ed Lecuyer]

Via email:
Thanks for taking the time with us last Saturday.  The Model A Ford Club, Pine Tree Chapter had a good time.
Attached is the photo album [one of our members] put together.
Thanks again, hope to see you again soon.
https://frank-kennedy.smugmug.com/Wiscasset-Waterville-Farmington-Railway-Museum

[James Patten]

Via annual fund donation slip:

Had a wonderful visit this August.  Always impressed and amazed at accomplishments.  Best railroad museum in the world!

[Ed Lecuyer]

5-Stars on Google:

Beautifully restored steam train. Nice ride. Friendly people. Nice gift shop. Could not have been any better!