Lou Schuyler -- A True Railroad Man

by Kira Devitt, Napa Valley Wine Train Marketing

If you stop by the Wine Train station and see an older gentleman in a full engineer outfit waving and handing out candies with a huge smile on his face, that is Lou Schuyler. He has been around, cheering up adults and children alike since the inception of the Wine Train back in the 1980s, and we are lucky to claim him as one of our own.

In 1984, Southern Pacific Railroad announced their plan to abandon their Napa Valley rail line which, at the time, ran from the town to Napa to of St. Helena. This historic rail line, built in the 1860’s to transport visitors to Calistoga, had been in use for more than a hundred years. It was instrumental in hauling freight: prunes, building materials, grapes and of course, wine. The abandonment of this rail line would have meant that Napa would have lost a part of their history, and an important transportation corridor.

Lou Schuyler, a retired Southern Pacific Engineer, had driven freight along the route, and understood the significance and beauty belonging to this specific railroad. Immediately, he formed a group called “The Society for the Preservation of the Napa Valley Railroad,” and went on a quest to put a rail saving measure on the Napa county ballot. Over a month’s time, Schuyler acquired more than 8,000 signatures on a petition putting the intuitive on the ballot. The intuitive failed to pass, but the overwhelming public support of the railroad peaked the interest of a group of Napa citizens. This group, known as the Napa Valley Wine Train Inc, went on to purchase the right of way and start the business that is now in operation.

Lou’s dedication and support showed throughout the early years of the Wine Train. He was eventually hired on as an engineer and he filled the position to its fullest. He was often seen in the mornings in his denim overalls greeting passengers, posing for pictures, handing out candy and then proceeding to climb into the cab and run the Train on its route from Napa to St. Helena and back. During the holiday season, he would wear red dyed overalls that his wife Dorothy had made and a Santa Claus hat. Today, he is no longer running the engine, but he is no stranger to the Wine Train. He stops by regularly, fully dressed as an engineer, and rides the Train as a passenger.

On July 28th, 2011 we celebrated Lou’s 90th birthday on board the Wine Train. He, along with a group of family and friends, climbed on board for a fitting birthday lunch. It was a memorable occasion.

I would just like to take a moment to thank Lou for all that he has done for the county of Napa, the railroad and the Wine Train. You have done so much and we are honored to say that you are a part of our family.