Cathy Wilcox-Barnes spoke about Madelyn
About 100 locals gathered in Nevada City on Saturday morning to remember beloved local Madelyn Helling, who passed away at age 95 in March, and to dedicate a new historical monument.
The group — including a “who’s who” of community leaders, volunteers, and longtime residents — dedicated the monument and kiosk that memorializes Nevada County’s railroad history. It is located on the grounds of the original train depot site —(AKA Clamper’s Square) between the northbound Highway 20 off-ramp and Railroad Avenue.
We recorded a heartfelt tribute to Madelyn, president emeritus of the Nevada County Railroad Museum, from her friend and longtime local Cathy Wilcox-Barnes (above).
Others spoke including John Christensen (a tireless volunteer at the Railroad Museum), Duane Strawser, Bill Falconi, Daniel Ketchum, David “Sparky” Parker and Nevada City Mayor Erin Minett, among others. Former City Manager Beryl Robinson, a local legend, also was there.
Our county library is named after Madelyn. We often enjoyed visiting with her — including our lunches together at the New Moon Cafe — and have been proud donors to the Railroad Museum, a delightful venue that celebrates our community’s “sense of place.”
Jeff Pelline's Sierra Foothills Report 