Chessie Takes a Train Trip Book

Chessie Takes a Train Trip Book

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This is an endearing story written by Thomas W. Dixon, Jr. and beautifully illustrated with historically- and mechanically-accurate artwork by artist Natalie O'Dell, the book features an original adventure starring...
Type: Book
Regular price $12.99
This is an endearing story written by Thomas W. Dixon, Jr. and beautifully illustrated with historically- and mechanically-accurate artwork by artist Natalie O'Dell, the book features an original adventure starring the famous railroad kitten and brought to life with the first Chessie art officially commissioned since 1984. Eighty-two years since Chessie the Railroad Kitten last appeared in illustrator Ruth Carroll's original children's books, 20 years in the making by author Thomas W. Dixon, Jr., and after over one year of development by the Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society with artist Natalie O'Dell, this groundbreaking labor of love by the Clifton Forge-based non-profit organization seeks to appeal to the next generation of supporters that may have never ridden a train, but will someday continue the C&OHS’s mission to preserve and interpret the history of the C&O Railway.

The new child’s book tells a story of how Chessie is living in C&O President Harahan’s office in Cleveland in the Depression year 1935. One day she stows away on his business car as he travels to Richmond and at Ashland two orphan children sneak on board. Chessie finds and takes them to Harahan. He gives them a place to sleep and food, and when they get to Richmond the children are adopted by a C&O employee family there. Of course, Chessie is involved throughout.

This book for children and the young at heart depicts an adventure featuring the nationally-known railroad kitten traveling on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. A crucial part of the plot takes place in Clifton Forge, with accompanying artwork in the book depicting the former C&O division office building and the passenger station also known as the Gladys Inn.