Cathlamet couple takes over trolley operations

It was a desire to see The Spirit of Chief Wahkiakum trolley remain in the community that first motivated Cathlamet residents Christine and Jon Randall to volunteer to commit their time and energy to increase interest in the use of the vehicle.

The Randalls, who work in the marketing field, are hoping to instill a feeling of ownership and pride among local residents for the vehicle that originally wound its way up and down the hills of San Francisco.

In need of drivers and ideas, the Randalls are recruiting people for a new Wahkiakum Trolley committee. They are looking for business owners, community members and even teenagers. They are planning two contests in the near future. One will rename the vehicle and another will provide a logo.

“Everyone can bring something different to the table,” Christine said. “It really needs to be the community’s trolley. We need to get as many people to buy in as we can.”

Saturday evening they were transporting boaters who were staying at the marina to the Crab and Oyster Fest on Puget Island.

“This is so awesome,” exclaimed one of the boaters on the way home from the festivities.

They’d like to bring it out for all kinds of local events. They are thinking about making it available for the Puget Island garage sale, or to Oregonians who want to ride the ferry over and need to be taxied to the Bald Eagle Day celebration.

The trolley has been requested as a conveyance to and from the county fair, and the Randalls are even thinking about having a trolley menu for riders who would like lunch and a tour. It will be available for rent as well.

“I think it’s going to be fun,” Christine said. “I’m excited about all the things we can do with it.”

The Randalls plan to do some fundraising and will continue to look for more sponsors.

Soon they will lose the space that is used to house the trolley and they have already begun to look for another spot to protect the car from inclement weather. During the summer they will park the trolley around town with a “Rent me” sign in the window.

Anyone interested in becoming a backup driver or sponsor, or joining the committee, or for questions, the Randalls may be reached at (360) 270-2118.