A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

This book is one man's attempt to restore and preserve railroad history and its contribution to agriculture. I have met many railroad experts and enthusiasts on this adventure. Their knowledge and advice have been indispensable. I thank every one of them.

A Diamond In The Rough is about the effort to save the oldest Union Pacific steam engine left in existence; known as the Union Pacific 737 later to be the Southern Pacific 216, as well as the historical cars behind her; now known as The History Train. The story tells the step-by-step acquisition of the train and its restoration. I hope it entertains and inspires you to preserve some part of our history; no matter how big or small it may be. Thank you for your interest.

Tony grew up on a small dairy farm in the central San Joaquin Valley in California. From a young age, he had a passion for agricultural history. In 1970 he married his high school sweetheart Carol. They started their dairy in 1973. After several years of struggling, Tony and Carol, and their four children decided to transition the dairy farm to organic (no pesticides or antibiotics, and no added hormones). Tony was the first organic dairy in central California. Tony also helped other farmers of varying crops to transition to organic. Tony and Carol opened their farm to consumers to show how their food was grown. Along the way, he collected artifacts that changed agriculture. The History Train is just one of many exhibits.