Volunteer Spotlight – John Pohlpeter

John Pohlpeter can be seen at the Enginehouse most Wednesdays, and many other days as well. A fireman on the SP 4449 crew, John also works on the Polson #2 during Holiday Express. He is passionate about the Center and the locomotives and is always one of the first to jump in when help of …

Volunteer Spotlight – Scott Davidson

A life-long lover of trains, Scott Davidson (known as Scotty around here) became a volunteer at ORHC in 2019. Encouraged by his mom, he found it a great way to give back to the community. He loves spending afternoons in the Enginehouse as a docent and says the people—both volunteers and visitors—are the key to …

Volunteer Spotlight – James Jones

James Jones is known around the Center as James, JP, Stealth Docent (he appears regularly—without signing up in advance) and Neon Thunder (for his hi-viz rain gear). James is a Portland area native. He has four brothers, four sisters and is right in the middle as the fourth oldest of the group. Married to Marcie …

Volunteer Spotlight – Jim Thomas

Jim Thomas has been a member of ORHF’s Board of Directors since 2020 and serves on its Finance Committee. He has been close to ORHF since the Brooklyn Roundhouse days, has been a frequent visitor since the museum was built, and was recruited by our Board Secretary, David Jorling, to join the Board. Fun fact: …

Mount Emily Shay #1 Turns 100 Years Old!

By Martin E. Hansen It was in this month of August 100 years ago that Lima Shay construction number #3233 first rolled out of the Lima Locomotive Works plant in Lima, Ohio. The next hundred years would see this Shay not only go through several owners, but would also see her travel across the country …