Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Event draws in over 40 people
ROSALIA — The Rosalia Branch of the Whitman County Library hosted its seventh annual Bridge Day on Saturday, Oct. 5, a community event dedicated to local railroad history.
The event featured a presentation by Washington State University Professor Emeritus Robert G. Olsen and a guided history hike across the iconic Rosalia Concrete Arch Bridges.
Rosalia Branch Manager Marcy Campbell shared the origins of the event, which began in 2017 when railroad history enthusiast Mark Borleske approached her with the idea.
“He is a railroad history aficionado, and he asked if the library would sponsor a history program, and so we did,” Campbell said. “I only expected 10-15 people, but the room was so full. It is really just his brainchild.”
Since its inception, Bridge Day has grown steadily. Even during the pandemic, the event continued virtually. This year, the program was held in the library’s new building, but Campbell noted that the space has already become too small for the enthusiastic crowd.
“I love local history, and I love that so many people come from other places because they love railroads and local history programs,” she added. “Mark is so knowledgeable.”
The event kicked off with a quilt craft class at noon, followed by Olsen’s presentation, “A Photographic History of Palouse Railroads,” at 1 p.m.
Afterward, attendees participated in a guided history hike over the historic concrete arch bridges, now part of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
At least 41 people attended the event, and Campbell expressed excitement about its continued growth, saying, “We have already outgrown the space, but it’s wonderful to meet so many people who share a passion for history and railroads.”
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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