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The atmosphere and nostalgia is palpable as soon as you approach The Dearing. Just seeing The Dearing in all its glory makes you want to drop everything and take a long ride… to anywhere. The Dearing Railroad car has served as “Chairman’s Class” service on the SAM Shortline excursion train for four years and celebrated her 100^th anniversary on October 18^th. This all-steel car was originally built for the Great Northern Railway and ran on the Oriental Limited between Chicago and Seattle. Nelson and Borden McGahee purchased the car in October 2006 and re-designated it Dearing. The name is in honor of Nelson’s grandfather who was an agent for the Georgia Railroad who lived in the town of Dearing. The “Pullman Green” paint with gold leaf lettering honors the cars heritage as a Pullman sleeper. The car underwent a complete mechanical update with completely rebuilt tracks and refurbished infrastructure. She met all safety requirements and was certified by Amtrak. She visited 44 states over eight years then joined the SAM Shortline in 2020.

In addition to the spectacular interior of the train, there was also a sumptuous feast laid out for all attendees to enjoy. It was a gorgeous afternoon which only heightened the feelings of all who were present. Indeed, the event was a celebration of this special train car but also a celebration of a certain time in American history that has faded into memory. Fortunately we could hold back time for an afternoon and enjoy each others company like civilized people used to. The synchronicity was evident not only in the 100^th anniversary of the Dearing but also President Carter’s recent birthday. Truly much to celebrate.

Those who attended were also witness to a great honor bestowed to Nelson and Borden McGahee and The Dearing. The Mayor of Americus, the Honorable Lee Kinnamon was on hand to read aloud the declaration of Representative Sanford Bishop which was formally read into the Congressional Record on September 25^th 2024.

The Dearing railcar is truly a piece of history and Crisp County is rightfully proud to have such a unique train car in our midst and we are eternally grateful to Monica Renfrow and SAM Shortline for allowing us to spend a day with the Dearing.