No Snow, But Polar Express Was a Success

While some families waited in line for their turn to pose around a jolly old man in a red suit to commemorate the holidays, nearly 400 people turned up at the Santa Clarita History Center on December 6 to take their family pictures around an even older holiday icon – the 1629 Mogul Steam Engine on the siding next to the Saugus Train Station Museum.
Photographer Josh Premako tirelessly captured family after family throughout the afternoon, while docents Barbara Martinelli and Anna Kroll gave tours of the museum. Train docents Guy Horanberg and Dean Francuch made sure everyone navigated the train safely, got to ring the bell and visit the historic caboose open just for the day.
Nestled in a rocking chair on the train station dock, Meredith McGowan read the holiday classic that features a legendary steam engine, “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg, giving each child a silver bell on a red ribbon (if you know the story, you know).
Volunteer Brad Jorgensen shared his vast collection of historic items, offering a “touchable history” table for children and adults to explore, and nearby, Jasmine McCulley from the Old Town Newhall Library helped people check out books about trains and history.
Scott McGowan and Pat Horanberg poured a few hundred cups of hot chocolate and served even more cookies; offering support and hospitality to the crowds were Philip Scorza, Leon Worden and Carol Rock.
As the last visitors left the park, the crew that put on the event posed for one last shot by Premako – climbing up to their spots on the front of the engine already thinking how this event will be even better in December 2026.