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Sweetwood Rededication 2017
Photos by Michael & Tessa Clawson, Kerry Cochran, Paul Finnegan


The Western Pacific Railroad Museum at Portola hosted a celebration of the Sweetwood,
Charles himself and the legacy of the car at the museum on September 9th.
The rededication ceremony was modeled after the ceremonies marking its entry into blood
service held at Oakland and Elko in 1951. September 11, 2017 was
the 100th anniversary of the car entering service.

Page last updated:  Fri Oct 2 01:54:14 PM PDT 2026

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Slide 5 Todd Bruso, Master of Ceremonies

Slide 6 Steve Walsh - Regional Director of Communications and Marketing for the American Red Cross, Gold Country Region

Slide 7 Barb Kramer - Disaster Cycle Services Volunteer Partner American Red Cross of Northern Nevada presents recognition for volunteers whose work provided blood to those in need. The Northern Nevada American Red Cross presented 100 year pins to the families.

Slide 8 Bill Sweetwood - Nephew of Charles O. Sweetwood honored the memory of his uncle.

Slide 9 Julia Rigutto Pagan - One of the Original Red Cross Nurses Serving on the Charles O. Sweetwood

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Slide 11 Robert Meacher - Portola City Manager and Pat Morton Portola Mayor, presented special city proclamation to Bill on behalf of the family.

Slide 12 Greg Elems - Vice President and Director, spoke on behalf of himself sharing personal memories of the car and on behalf of the Feather River Rail Society

Slide 13 Shane Starr - From the Office of Representative Doug LaMalfa - CA District 1 presented Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition to the Feather River Rail Society in appreciation of its dedication to the history and preservation of the Western Pacific 106 - Charles O. Sweetwood

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Slide 15 Bill Cardoza - District Coordinator for California State Senator Ted Gaines presented California Senate Resolution

Slide 16 Members of VFW present flag to Bill Sweetwood in memory of his uncle.

Slide 17 Bill accepting flag in memory of his uncle.

Slide 18 Member of VFW Salutes Bill Sweetwood in memory of his uncle.

Slide 19 Members of the VFW and American Legion perform a 21 Gun Salute for Charles O. Sweet Wood

Slide 20 Bill Cardoza and Steve Habeck with California Senate Resolution

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Slide 25 The families thanked everyone for coming.


Page last updated:  Fri Oct 2 01:54:14 PM PDT 2026