The “All Aboard” Series continues at the L&N Depot, Saturday, July 31, 8:30AM with “4-Legged Railroaders” presented by Rita Schneider, Warren County Humane Society volunteer and railroad enthusiast.

“The railroad was supported physically and morally by our four-legged friends,” states Sharon Tabor, Executive Director, Historic RailPark & Train Museum.  “They not only helped build and repair the railroad, but helped warm the hearts of the employees the animals adopted as friends.  Beyond the depot cats who protected buildings from renegade mice and rats, many furry friends acted as mascots and protectors of the trains”, states Tabor. “Rita has many tales to relay about the heroism and antics of horses, mules, roosters, dogs, cats, elephants, and even a lion who found themselves intertwined with the daily rounds of the railroad”. 

Tales of the hobo kitten who hopped the L&N in Birmingham, put off in Bowling Green, and discovered again when the train arrived in Louisville; the story of Owney, the Post Office Car mascot; Blind Tom, the horse who helped build the Transcontinental railroad; the mules who pulled the steam engine up the hill in Pennsylvania; the lovelorn rooster who rode under the freight car to be near his beloved hens, are just a few of the stories Rita will share.

As a new volunteer with the Warren County Humane Society, local resident Rita Schneider has a long association with the L&N.  Her uncle Pete Carpenter was a signal worker and she often the trains with during the days of box car accommodations.  “When presented with the opportunity to share this topic with the community, I jumped at the chance to share my love of animals and trains at the same time”, states Mrs. Schneider.

Anyone wanting to make a donation of dry cat or dog food, bleach or handi-wipes to the Warren County Humane Society is encouraged to bring the items with them to the presentation.