Join the California and the West Group at Niles Canyon in Fremont on Sunday, May 20, for an entire day of history-laden activities organized by Rose Marie Cleese. “Tentative plans call for a late-morning half-hour ride on the historic Niles Canyon Railway from Fremont to Sunol (for a nominal fee), during which we’ll learn about the line’s role as the last leg in the Transcontinental Railroad in the late 1800s. We’ll grab lunch in Sunol and possibly hear a talk about San Francisco’s Hetch Hetchy water delivery system from a Public Utilities Commission spokes-person. We’ll return by train to Fremont mid-afternoon, then drive a few blocks to the Niles neighborhood to tour the amazing Niles Essanay Silent Film Musuem. While there, we’ll hear a specially arranged talk about the films Charlie Chaplin made in Niles at the start of his career and also view a selection of silent film clips. For those who don’t want the day to end, we’ll convene at an Afghan restaurant for dinner in Fremont’s Little Kabul neighborhood. Watch your e-mail for the official announcement, which will include the final confirmed itinerary for the day.”
