Freedom Train
by Gerry Kramer

In August 1975 the freedom train came to Minneapolis, Minnesota. My wife and I packed up the kids, two at the time, on our tandem bike and a trailer. We rode along the creek to Minnehaha Falls.

There it was, the 4-8-4 s.p. all decked out in red, white, and blue. What a magnificent steam engine.

The train was pulling some displays and stuff for the bi-centennial in 1976. I held the kids and we walked all around the train. It hissed and blew its whistle and scared them it was so loud. When we were there I bought THE cup.

This cup has been with me for many years and many events. It has survived six children then three more. It has traveled through divorce, numerous apartments and homes. Now it is resting at our apartment in Crystal, hoping to survive many more chips, tumbles and grandchildren.

Obvisously it's a train.