Rail traffic had just been reestablished along the tracks between Dublin and Gorman on December 6, 1967 with the Texas Central Railroad’s first run to Gorman. Engine number 1 had been delivered to Dublin a few days before.
This engine had been purchased from the Houston Belt and Terminal Railroad by the M and W supply company in Gorman. Operating at 1000 horsepower, the engine would supply freight to the peanut shelling plant there. Talking with owners Melvin and W.T. Shell, “A peanut plant must have a railroad.”
If that wasn’t special enough, Santa, yes the big guy himself would be coming on the train. Ed Staford, Railroad General Manager and Dublin agent advised that he too had received information to this effect.
Santa arrived at 10 a.m. on Dec. 9 on the new Texas Central locomotive. The depot had a number of people waiting for him in anticipation.
The train came from the west, so Santa’s sleigh and eight tiny reindeer must have parked just outside of town. All that was arranged so that Santa could make his big entrance. He dismounted the train at the Texas Central depot and said hello to the small crowd there. He then climbed onto a Dublin fire truck. As he rode through the downtown business district, he spread holiday cheer by waving and calling to everyone “Merry Christmas.” He later distributed fruit and candy to all who were young and young at heart at Shamrock Park. Santa reported that he has been getting favorable reports at the North Pole about his Dublin friends.
His merry Ho Ho Ho was heard all over downtown as he visited in stores and spoke with shoppers on the street.
After making his rounds, he was seen from time to time on the corner of Patrick and Blackjack waving at people driving by. Horns honked in return with many offering Christmas wishes.
Santa’s arrival in town was anticipated by many. With the downtown Christmas decorations and holiday spirit spread by Santa, it was a happy time.
As he left Dublin on Christmas Eve night, I’m sure he turned and waved with a “Merry Christmas to all” as he flew out of sight.