The South Coast Railroad Museum mourns the loss of Phyllis Olsen, one of its most cherished and devoted leaders, who passed away on December 9, 2015. Phyllis’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the museum’s history and the preservation of the Goleta Depot.
Early Life and Education
Born in Seminole, Oklahoma, Phyllis Olsen was raised in Stanwood, Washington, where her family moved in the 1940s. An exceptional student, Phyllis had a love for reading, writing, and serving her school community. She was the editor of her high school newspaper and was selected as homecoming queen during her senior year. She married Philip Olsen in 1955, with whom she shared three children: Pamela, Kari, and Todd.
A Lifelong Passion for Community and History
Phyllis’s passion for history and her dedication to her community came to define her life’s work. After moving to Goleta with her family, she began working at La Patera Elementary School, where her natural talent for working with children flourished. She joined the South Coast Railroad Museum in 1980 as Assistant Director, a role she would hold for the next 35 years.
Contributions to the South Coast Railroad Museum
During her tenure, Phyllis was instrumental in developing and organizing many of the museum’s most beloved community events, including Depot Day, the Easter Bunny Express, and the Candy Cane Train. She served as the museum’s primary fundraiser, managing the museum store and organizing countless events and programs that enriched the community and brought visitors closer to Goleta’s railroad history.
Phyllis played a vital role in the Goleta Depot Project, the campaign to preserve this historic landmark. Her commitment to the project earned her the Golden Deed Award for Service Above Self, now known as “Goleta’s Finest” award.
Preserving a Piece of History
Under Phyllis’s watchful care, the Goleta Depot achieved significant recognition: it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register, and designated a Santa Barbara County Historical Landmark. When Amtrak extended its San Diegan service to Santa Barbara in 1988, Phyllis joined State Senator Gary Hart in a ceremonial launch of the service. She also represented the museum on Amtrak’s inaugural Sunset Limited cross-country train run in 1993, where she was interviewed by CNN.
A Lasting Legacy
In her honor, the Westside Station of the museum’s Goleta Short Line miniature railroad was renamed “Phyllis.” The museum also established the Phyllis J. Olsen Memorial Fund as part of the Museum Endowment. This fund supports the museum and its programs, continuing Phyllis’s passion for education, history, and community service.
Remembering Phyllis
Phyllis Olsen’s contributions to the Goleta Depot and the South Coast Railroad Museum continue to inspire us. Her memory lives on in the programs and preservation efforts she championed. Her dedication helped shape the museum as it stands today, a testament to her vision and her deep commitment to the Goleta community.
If you wish to honor Phyllis’s legacy, donations to the Phyllis J. Olsen Memorial Fund can be made to the South Coast Railroad Museum, Attn: Olsen Memorial Fund, 300 N. Los Carneros Rd., Goleta, CA 93117.