BURSON, CA -- April 4, 2007 -- On April 25, 1885, the first train of the San Joaquin & Sierra Nevada Railroad pulled into the new town of Valley Springs. On April 25, 2007, that event will be marked for the first time in the history of Valley Springs.

 Celebrating the 122nd anniversary of the narrow gauge coming to Valley Springs, the Society for the Preservation of West Calaveras History (SPWCH) will unveil a permanent display of vintage photographs at the train depot--the railway’s last remaining station--located at 25 Highway 12 (California St.).  The display will be affixed to a wall of the Ice Cream Depot.  The unveiling on Wednesday, April 25, will be part of a reception sponsored by the Valley Springs Area Business Association from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to welcome new member Dave Valladao, new owner of the Ice Cream Depot.  Along with photographs, the exhibit will offer a history of the railroad and a free brochure for visitors.

“Many residents and visitors are unaware of the historic nature of the train depot or the railroad that came through here for about 100 years,” said Sal Manna, President of the SPWCH.  “Now the public will be able to visit the station to see photographs and read about that history.  We are particularly grateful to Dave Valladao, who offered the space and encouraged us to create the exhibit.  Once again, the SPWCH is making history with history.”