Take a trip back in time at Roots of Motive
Power, and learn about steam engines and the roots of the
logging industry in northwestern California. California’s
history was built on the backs of these rolling marvels, and at
Roots of Motive Power the past comes alive with physical history. Standing next to these locomotives is like standing near
huge, metal, fire-eating and steam-breathing giants.
Roots is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1982 to
preserve and restore steam and diesel powered equipment
used in the California north coast logging industry from the
1850s to the present. Anyone interested in helping out is
encouraged to become a member and lend a hand on scheduled workdays, which generally take place the first and third
Sundays of each month. The organization also holds classes,
such as Steam Engineer and Railroad Safety classes, and
sponsors public events, including train rides and the Willits
Frontier Days Steam-Up on the 4th of July.
Whether you would like to join in the action or just want to
watch, this is a great way to connect with our collective past.
WHERE: 400 E. Commercial St., Willits