The Shadow
Clifton Forge, Va. – The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society, the non-profit organization dedicated to
preserving the history of the C&O Railway, has organized a holiday event at the group’s Clifton Forge
museum to benefit the Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother Program. On December 7 from 12 PM to
4 PM, “Christmas at the Depot” will celebrate the holiday as well as the heritage of railroading in the
region. As the C&O Historical Society celebrates the end of a successful year, the Alleghany Highlands
community is invited to enjoy the festivities at the C&O Railway Heritage Center that will benefit multiple
local causes.
Providing a family-friendly day during the holiday season, the C&O Historical Society’s largest museum
will feature activities for guests of all ages. The organization’s vintage rail car collection will be open for
tours, as well as the on-site railroad structures that tell the country’s transportation story. The indoor
Freight House museum, featuring a collection of artifacts and displays showcasing the C&O Railway’s
history, will be open and will feature a visit from Santa Claus. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras
for the opportunity to meet Santa before his Christmas rush.
C&O Historical Society staff will provide hot cocoa, cookies, and popcorn. In preparation for another
special visitor, a special “Grinch” punch will also be served. Now an annual tradition, the Grinch will visit
Clifton Forge and take over the “Little C&O” ride-on train, a popular attraction at the C&O Railway
Heritage Center. Guests will have the unique opportunity to ride these small rails through the museum
with the Grinch himself.
However, the most distinguished guest on December 7 will be Ms. Ingrid W. Barber, the 76th Christmas
Mother for the Alleghany Highlands. Through the support of many local businesses and organizations,
such as the C&O Historical Society, this year’s program will assist families in need during Christmas. The
Clifton Forge-based non-profit organization hopes to raise enough money during “Christmas at the
Depot” to contribute $1,000 to help the Christmas Mother.
Mr. Kerry Worsham, Treasurer for the C&O Historical Society, underscored the importance of the
program that has benefited citizens of the Alleghany Highlands for over 70 years, “The Christmas Mother
works tirelessly to bring to the spirit of Christmas to the community during each holiday season, and the
C&O Historical Society appreciates the opportunity to contribute to this effort. We are pleased to help
raise funds for the fourth year in a row at our annual Christmas Mother fundraising event at our Heritage Center.”
Admission will be $5 per person, with children three and under admitted free. A portion of all proceeds
will be donated to the Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother Program.
In addition to the afternoon’s “Christmas at the Depot,” on December 7, the C&O Historical Society is
also hosting a special new-old-stock book sale in conjunction with the Norfolk & Western Historical
Society from Roanoke. Ahead of the gift-giving season, this special event making published histories
available that cover railroads all over the country will complete a well-rounded day celebrating the history
and hospitality of railroading in the community. The joint C&OHS-N&WHS book sale will be set up at
the C&O Railway Heritage Center at the onsite Depot Gift Shop.
The C&O Railway Heritage Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM – 4 PM at 705 Main Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia.
