This article originally appeared in the “Goleta Depot Dispatch,” Volume 9, Number 2, September 1989. It has been transcribed and preserved here to share the story of how a dedicated community effort brought the wig-wag signal to life at the Goleta Depot.
May 1989 marked a long-awaited milestone for the South Coast Railroad Museum as the wig-wag signal was finally erected along the tracks in front of the Goleta Depot. This project was the culmination of years of effort, donations, and hard work by museum supporters and volunteers.
The museum had been in possession of the wig-wag equipment since 1982, thanks to a donation of the signal mechanism by Philip Goldman and the procurement of the pole by Bill Shrives. However, it wasn’t until young Ryan Maloney, the grandson of Hilda and Al Volkman, selected the wig-wag installation as his Eagle Scout project that the signal was finally installed.
Ryan and his work crew, including friends Tom, Michael, and David Hatch, along with his father Jerry Maloney, logged an impressive 76 hours digging the foundation for the wig-wag standard and painting the equipment from top to bottom.
The foundation for the signal was poured by Gene Allen and Al Volkman, with concrete generously donated by Cart-Crete. The installation of the pole was no small feat, requiring the expertise of Specialty Crane and Rigging. Seth Hammond, the owner of Specialty, donated the crane service and personally operated the hoist, while his young son Colin took care of various tasks, including bolting the signal mechanism onto the upright pole.
On June 8, 1989, as the museum prepared to release the latest issue of the Goleta Depot Dispatch, Bill Shrives and his crew completed the signal wiring and successfully tested the equipment. The wig-wag signal was officially ready for operation, adding another piece of historical authenticity to the Goleta Depot.
The installation of the wig-wag signal at the Goleta Depot stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the community members who came together to make it possible. It’s a shining example of what can be achieved when history enthusiasts and volunteers unite to preserve the past.
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