Dunning far ahead of the rest of the nation, ft Alexandria, Va., recently opened what is said to be the nation's first Bicentennial Center and celebrated 10 days of festival activities, including the city's 225th birthday.
And Southern Railway's "Best Friend of Charleston" chugged smartly along with the festival that marked an event that ultimately led two years later to the Declaration of Independence.
Jim Coldsmith (left), director of the bicentennial committee, and Wiley Mitchell, Alexandria vice mayor and Southern general solicitor, help Joyce O'Leary and a friend down ride on the "Best Friend." The chimp, named Joby, is Joyce's pet. Joyce lives in Alexandria. |
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The Alexandria festival commemorated the adoption of the Fairfax Resolves, written by, George Mason of Gunston Hall and passed on July 18,1774, at a Fairfax County meeting presided over by George Washington. The Resolves supported the action of Boston patriots six months earlier at the Boston Tea Party.
Located across the Potomac River from Washington, D. C., Alexandria was for more than 50 years a part of the District of Columbia. In addition, during its early history Alexandria was an important seaport, rivaling
New York and Boston in the volume of cargo handled. Alexandria Vice; Mayor Wiley Mitchell, who is a general solicitor for Southern, was "assistant engineer" of the "Best Friend" on its maiden trip through the Old Town section of the city. Free rides were offered during several days of the celebration.
Television cameras gave the "Best Friend" a proper sendoff. Manning the engine, from left, are John Smith, control engineer, Atlanta; Wiley Mitchell, general solicitor, Washington, D. C.; Ray Mauney, general road foreman of engines, Atlanta; and ,Bob Gause, chief electrician, Columbia, S.C. |
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Also on display during the Alexandria Bicentennial Celebration was Southern's "Showcase Car" of exhibits, pictures and models illustrating the history and progress of Southern.
The "Best Friend" is a replica of the engine that began steam locomotive service in this country in 1830. The original engine operated on the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company, now part of Southern Railway System.
The original "Best Friend" blew up when the fireman held down a valve because he didn't like the noise it was making. The huffing, hissing and chugging of the replica proved to be music. .