(rshsdepot) Perris, CA

["Bernie Wagenblast" <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

From The Press-Enterprise.

Link to original article and video at:
http://www.pe.com/localnews/perris/stories/PE_News_Local_E_howser01.3f48a0a.
html

Bernie Wagenblast

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Crowd gets a look at Old Perris Depot, Howser

08:55 PM PST on Saturday, January 31, 2009

By MELISSA EISELEIN
The Press-Enterprise


The colorful host of PBS's "California's Gold" was at the Old Perris Depot
rededication in Perris on Saturday to produce a segment to air on the city's
ties to railroading history. 

As an old steam engine chugged along nearby tracks, Huell Howser toured the
1892 depot, saw the city's historic Southern Hotel and learned about the
plans to renovate the old bank on the corner of Fourth and D streets in
downtown Perris. 

The depot is "yesterday's symbol, tomorrow's hope," said Tom Jacobson,
railway museum president and chief executive officer. "It adds a certain bit
of charm and class and offers something that no other city around here has."


Howser was among about 150 people, including Christina Perris, 31, of
Redlands, who came to the ceremony. Perris is the great-great granddaughter
of the city's namesake, Frederick Thomas Perris. 

The depot, owned by the Orange Empire Railway Museum, and partially leased
to the Perris Valley Historical and Museum Association, houses some of the
city's artifacts. 

Howser was surprised to learn that many of the city's residents knew of his
arrival ahead of time. 

"Nobody was supposed to know I was here," Howser said. 

Filming the Perris segment was a challenge for Howser and his cameraman. At
every turn, California's golden celebrity was photographed, videotaped and
asked for his autograph. 

Howser flashed his trademark smile, shook hands, chatted with fans and joked
about impressing friends with his plans to spend his weekend in Perris --
which some may have mistaken for Paris, he said. 

The Perris segment is expected to air in March or April, Howser said. 

As visitors waited for the late-morning dedication to begin, Bruce Cowie, of
Nuevo and his wife, Caran, both dressed in early 1900s-style attire,
strolled the grounds outside the depot. 

Inside, Canyon Lake artist Paul Price, who created the replica's for the
American Indian exhibit in the museum, was on hand to answer visitor
questions about the area's earliest residents. 

Museum exhibits include information about Perris pioneers, their possessions
and lifestyle. 

Museum information: 951-657-0274 

Reach Melissa Eiselein at 951-763-3462 or meiselein_@_PE.com

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railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org
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