Northwestern Pacific Railroad
Historical Society
Preserving the heritage of Redwood Empire Railroading

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The Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society regretfully announces the death of its President, Harold S. Mentzer at the age of 73. Harold passed away at his home in Napa surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer on the morning of 11/26/09. Harold was born to Harold & Naomi Mentzer in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on 3/21/36. He was raised in Napa, graduated from Napa High School and served in the Navy. He had a varied career in the mining, timber harvesting, construction, and wine industries. At the same time he was an active model railroader and railroad historian. Harold's railroad models won a number of contest awards, with his bridges being a particular source of pride. His HO gauge railroad layout based on the fictitious Bellena Bay Railroad and Navigation Company was host to many model railroaders. He was a loyal founding member of the Sonoma County Hi-Ballers who were fortunate to be able to operate his railroad on a regular basis over the past 15 years. Harold was a voracious reader and could converse knowledgably about a wide range of subjects. He had particular interests in railroads, history and archeology. While usually a man of few but well-chosen words, Harold could converse for long periods of time on topics which held his interest.

A long time member of the NWPRRHS, Harold served on the Board of Directors for a number of years and as President for the past seven years. He was also a hands-on participant in the Society's restoration programs, first with NWP caboose #13 now on display at Roots of Motive Power in Willits and lastly with Petaluma & Santa Rosa caboose No. 1 which is nearing completion in Petaluma. While serving as NWPRRHS President, Harold was a loyal attendee at meetings of the Sonoma Heritage Network where he made the acquaintance of many of the people who are responsible for history museum and historical society activities. It was his participation in the Heritage Network which led him to decide to almost single-handedly install displays celebrating the 100th anniversary of the NWPRR's founding in museums from Marin County to Humboldt County. He was a constant presence at every Society function up until the last few months of his life. Harold's wise counsel will be sorely missed by the Society and his friendship will be missed by all who knew him.

Harold is survived by his wife: Shirly Ann Mentzer; three children: Loraine Marie Cartwright, William Steven Mentzer, & Bellena Rose Fox; brother, David Mentzer; sister, Loraine Stalter and eight grandchildren: Breana, Robert, Caleb, Landan, Ciara, Michelle, AnnMarie & Stephen.

There will be a celebration of Harold's life on Saturday, December 12th at 11 A.M. It will be at Treadway & Wigger Funeral Home at 623 Coombs St in Napa.

"Coach 29" Page added - 1/24/09

Come see our progress in bringing Caboose Number 1 back to operating condition! Visitors are always welcome. Number 1 is located in the Petaluma Trolley Yard at 110 Baylis Street, Petaluma. This yard is across East Washington Street from the NWP rail yard and the former P&SR rail yard. All Society members can volunteer to help rebuild No. 1. Wear work clothes and bring your gloves!

Petaluma is an hour's drive from Cloverdale, Calistoga, Cordelia, Walnut Creek, Oakland and San Francisco. It is a two-hour drive from Willits, Auburn and south San Jose. Santa Cruz is 2½ hours away. If you can't visit in person, follow our progress at the Society's web site (www.nwprrhs.org).

NWP Railroad Historical Society Wins Grant for Railway History Preservation
from the National Railway Historical Society

The NWP Railroad Historical Society is one of 10 Finalists for 2009 in the Railway Heritage Grants Program of the National Railway Historical Society. The matching funds grant of $4,500 was awarded for transport of Central Pacific coach 29/ Northwestern Pacific coach 123 from its current location in Redwood Valley to the De Carli Trolley Yard in Petaluma, and for purchase and reconstruction of a pair of wood beam passenger trucks for the car.

The NRHS Grant Announcement can be read at http://www.nrhs.com/grant/2009-NRHS-Grants.pdf.

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This page was created on August 29, 2000
and was last updated on December 7, 2009