San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
4-year-old chosen as millionth rider
Conor Mills was at the front of the line for the Poway Midland Railroad. That isn’t unusual. The 4-year-old boy is there most weekends.
But on April 30, it was special. Conor was chosen as the honorary 1 millionth rider of the train.
“We come every Saturday,” said his mother, Sara Mills. “It’s our Saturday routine.”
Although appreciative of the honor, and the lifetime pass that came with it, Conor was too shy to say much. His mother spoke of their love of trains — especially the park’s 1907 Baldwin Steam Engine.
The Rancho Bernardo duo hit up the farmers market most Saturdays, then go ride the train. They were the first in line when the train reconvened after the pandemic, she said.
“It’s not the farmers market — it’s the train market,” Sara Mills said. “It’s a way we both get something we want.”
She said she learned to adore trains after playing with them with her grandfather as a child.
“I grew up liking model trains. It’s a family tradition,” she said. “We look forward to it every week.”
The Poway Midland Railroad started in 1991 with a group of volunteers. It now boasts about 40 volunteers. One of those, Ryan Depriest, who punches the tickets, also was awarded as a lifetime member of the railroad.
Volunteers have contributed countless hours over the years to operate and maintain a railroad fleet that includes a 1907 steam engine Baldwin locomotive, a 1906 San Francisco California Street cable car, and a 1950 Fairmont speeder, city officials said.
Last weekend’s celebration, which included recognition for the dedicated volunteers, also had live music and free train crafts.
Mayor Steve Vaus called the train the “jewel in the crown of Poway.”
“This is a big day,” he told those gathered that morning. “I supposed Conor will be working for the Poway Midland Railroad before too long.”