Leave Shay unfencedTo the editor,

The Shay engine holds a special spot in our hearts at it was designed by a distant relative, Ephraim Shay. Just as important, it has been a special place for generations of Columbia Falls residents and visitors.

Our family voluntarily restored the train in July 2005. During a week of fun and hard work we were able to paint the engine, replace and resurface the floorboards and wooden ceiling, which was fire-damaged this year. Plum Creek, Stoltze Lumber, Western Building Center and the Klothes Kloset all donated materials to the project. Our out-of-pocket expenses and the donations totaled about $700.

While we are encouraged by the city's generous funding, we are concerned about proposals that include fencing off the engine and covering the interior panels.

We have memories of ourselves, and now a second and third generation of our family, climbing and playing on the engine. Among the highlights of the hours spent working there were the people who stopped by to appreciate the engine's history — both in the logging and lumber industry and as the focal point at the end of Nucleus Avenue — and to share their personal stories of visiting and playing on the engine. They all looked forward to creating more memories there, as do we.

It is imperative that the city retain unfettered public access to the engine. Fencing is an unnecessary and unsightly addition to the park.

Restoration must continue to allow for climbing up to get a hands-on experience in the interior. The impressive panel should not be shrouded in Plexiglass but left open so visitors from the youngest, imaginative children to knowledgeable train aficionados can touch the various knobs and pulls as they have since the engine was placed for the public to enjoy in 1964.

The other key to restoration is replacing the bell, which was so senselessly stolen last May. The cost is reasonably within the amount of money the council has allocated.

Replacing the bell — complete with a pulley so it can be rung and enjoyed — is a much better investment in bringing the engine back to its original state than detracting from it with fencing and Plexiglass.

Our family happily offers time and talents to help with continued restoration that will keep the engine looking good and a safe place to play and learn about its history.

We encourage everyone with memories of time spent on and around the Shay engine to contact the Columbia Falls mayor, city council and city manager to explain the importance of keeping the engine accessible.

Gail Shay Linne and family

Jan Shay Townsend and family

Howard Shay and family

Laurie Shay and family

Tim Shay and family

Becky Shay

Gladys Shay