Rondo Days Festival searching for former Red Caps and families
The opening event of the 30th annual Rondo Days Festival will be a reception to honor the Red Caps, the station porters who welcomed and served travelers and the railroad industry at the St. Paul Union Depot for more than 78 years.
As part of the renovation of this historic train station, the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority (RCRRA) is commemorating these men by establishing the Red Cap Room on the depot’s second floor. All former Red Caps, their families and friends are invited to attend the dedication ceremonies at the Union Depot on Friday, July 12 at 4 pm.
Over the course of their long relationship with the Depot, the Red Caps brought a sense of professionalism, commitment and dedication to those traveling the railroads, which enhanced the reputation the Depot enjoyed. These men were truly St. Paul’s great ambassadors who made all travelers feel welcomed, answered questions, offered suggestions and tips on what to see or do while in town, and of course saw that baggage was checked in or retrieved.
“The Red Cap Room” is a vivid reminder of the rich association and unique role the Red Caps played in the Depot’s history,” said Rondo Festival co-founder Marvin Roger Anderson. “Many of these men lived in the old Rondo neighborhood of St.
Paul, and we would like to honor them as role models within the community and beyond.”
Timothy A. Mayasich, RCRRA’S director, has said that the “Red Cap Room will be our premiere site for community events, for dinners, galas as well as private functions.”
This free event is co-sponsored by Rondo Days Inc., the Ramsey County Railroad Authority and the St. Paul Union Depot. The reception will be held on the second floor of the St. Paul Union Depot, 214 4th St. E., St Paul, on Friday, July 12, 4-6 pm.
Anyone with information or interesting stories about former Red Caps should contact Marvin Roger Anderson at 651-402-0095 or mranderson989@comcast.net. More information can be found on the Rondo Festival website: www.rondofest.org. For more information, call 651-402-0095, email mranderson989@comcast.net or visit www.rondofest.org:
Information provided by Rondo Days Festival.
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