Our own ARVID OLSON spoke about the history as well as the current state of affairs of the Hoosier State Train. 
Lafayette has always been a transportation hub. In 1825, this was as far as you could go in a steamboat to carry local farm products to parts near and far. In 1847 the canal came through heading from Toledo to Vincennes. In 1853 the first railroad came here from Indy. In 1927 there were seventy passenger trains coming in and out of Lafayette each day. At that time there were also interurban electric trains running at speeds up to 70 mph between Lafayette and Indianapolis. The Hoosier State Train began running in 1980. The year 2013 saw federal legislation that led to increased support. In 2015 a public-private partnership was formed and Iowa Pacific took over running the line. Because of funding issues, Iowa Pacific bowed out of the picture and on March 1, 2017, Amtrak took it over again. Having this train service connecting Lafayette to Chicago and Indianapolis is an important part of economic development for our area and will help to attract and retain members of the millennial generation. It is hoped that in the future there will be two trains per day and that the line will be extended to Louisville and/or Cincinnati.
MAY BIRTHDAY TABLE:
CAROL GALBRAITH introduced members celebrating birthdays this month. This group contributed more than $750 to our Foundations. We sang “Happy Birthday” in their honor.
GUESTS:
Michelle Russell, guest of TIM LUZADER; Brent Davenport, guest of CHRISTINE BURR.