Wills Point Residents Get Royal Train Ride

It was a chance in a lifetime for many who rode aboard the private railroad car owned by Houston business man Patrick Henry.

Eight people from Van Zandt County took off on the journey from Mineola on Monday morning, down the beautiful countryside of Grand Saline, Fruitvale and Wills Point, making Dallas the final stop before getting off the train.

Henry and his girlfriend Suzanne hosted Wills Point Mayor Scott McGriff and his wife Donna, along with Pat Mitchell, Grace Lamar, Larry and Susie Heckman, Laura Lemons, and Julie Vaughan.

Joy Smith, assistant superintendent of passenger services with Amtrak, was contacted by the city and asked to arrange the use of Henry’s private cars during the "1909 Taft Campaign Trail" event set for October 31 in Wills Point. The city is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of President William Taft’s train stop in Wills Point.

"Mrs. Smith asked him (Henry) if we could use the cars for the speech and he was kind enough to allow us to," McGriff said. "He (Henry) contacted me and said he was going to be coming through and thought we might like an opportunity for those who were involved in the organizing of the Taft reenactment to ride as guests."

The "Warren R. Henry" lounge car, built in 1955 for the Union Pacific Railroad, features a panoramic viewing upstairs and formal dining room/boardroom as well as rear platform.

The "Evelyn Henry" deluxe sleeping car was built in 1954 for the Union Pacific and features six double bedrooms.

When asked how he got interested in trains, Henry said, "I’m just a train geek."

He went on to say that he travels approximately 20,000 miles per year by train and has traveled all over the United States, hooking his two private cars to the back of Amtrak.

"We are very appreciative and want him (Henry) to know how grateful we are for this opportunity," McGriff said.

"This is an opportunity to build on enthusiasm which is already established," McGriff said of the 1909 Taft Campaign Trail 100-year anniversary events planned. "It’s historical."

McGriff said that organizers of the 1909 Taft reenactment were able to get 140 tickets from Amtrak for those interested in riding the train with actors, through Wills Point on October 31, and that tickets were sold out in three days.

People from not only Wills Point, but Edgewood, Mineola and Grand Saline purchased tickets for this historic event.

"This is a real opportunity," McGriff said. "The train comes through all the time and people have a reason to ride now. It gives them that chance to take that first train ride."

McGriff said it was "absolutely" a goal of his when becoming mayor to attempt to get Amtrak to stop in Wills Point and that is what the city is working toward as they continue talks with Amtrak officials.

McGriff said he feels commuter rail is a "great way to connect Wills Point to the Metro area."

He also noted that by bringing in Amtrak he believes industry and other growth will follow.

"What will be the domino that will trigger it?" McGriff said. "I believe it is a combination of a lot of things."

He went on to say that since the events of September 11, 2001 rail traffic has increased, and that trend seems to be growing with increased gasoline prices.

"With Amtrak, it’s just another opportunity for growth," he said. "People are coming to your town and spending money."

"It’s a catalyst for growth, just like other business," he said. "Do you want the growth to control you or set the stage for that growth?"

McGriff said the timing of the 100-year anniversary of Taft’s stop in Wills Point and Henry’s willingness to participate through Amtrak are part of setting those wheels in motion toward the right direction.