When Dave Larsen moved to Oregon to be with his growing family, he wanted to make new connections. He found lasting friendships through the National Railway Historical Society Chapter, which introduced him to the railroad community in Portland. His work with the Chapter eventually led him to discover ORHC.

Dave has been a key part of the Center since it opened. He was on the very first crew when the doors opened to the public. Today, it’s the friendships he’s made with fellow volunteers that help continue his dedication to keep the Center running.

He shared,

“During the pandemic, the Center was closed, but everyone would still make time to meet in the parking lot to have lunch.”

63 YEARS IN CHICAGO

Growing up in Chicago without a car, Dave and his family would travel mainly by train. His railroad, at the time, was the Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad which offered a popular one-seat commuter service until 1953. Five-year-old Dave was fascinated by the railroad, and it created many memories for him and his family.

“CA&E was clean, it was fast, and it was comfortable! [As a kid,] I didn’t like steam engines on the Chicago Northwestern, because you had to walk by the steam engine to get into the terminal and it was always loudly hissing.”

After graduating college, Dave began his impactful career in public education. Starting off as an elementary school teacher and then retiring from his principalship in 2002, Dave helped transform low-performing schools into well-supported diverse districts.

Throughout his career, Dave and his wife Alice (married for 55 years) would explore the streets of Chicago to see the art and architecture the city offered. They were active members of the Art Institute of Chicago and a lot of other architecture groups. After retirement, Dave began exploring railroad conventions. During one convention in Philadelphia, he was on a trolley car and talking to the passenger next to him about Chicago. There was another passenger, two seats ahead, whose ears immediately perked up. That was Barry Binder, who quickly became one of Dave’s closest friends. They still go to railroad conventions together.

MAKING AN IMPACT AT ORHC

Dave continues to volunteer at ORHC, where he brings history to life for our student tour groups. Today, it’s the friendships he’s made with fellow volunteers that fuel his dedication to keeping the Center running. If you’re in the area, stop by on Thursdays —Dave is always eager to share his stories and Portland’s vast railroad history.