GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1995

S	1 

SENATE RESOLUTION 1098

─────────────────────────────────────── 
Sponsors: Senators Smith, Cochrane, and Hartsell.

─────────────────────────────────────── 
Referred to:  Calendar

─────────────────────────────────────── 

July 4, 1995

A SENATE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF SPENCER SHOPS.
Whereas, Southern Railway began construction on Spencer Shops, a massive steam locomotive and freight car rebuild and repair facility in Rowan County in 1896; and
Whereas, the communities of Spencer and East Spencer sprang up around the shops providing a community and homes for the thousands who were employed by the shops; and
Whereas, Spencer Shops continued to provide jobs and critical services for the Southern Railway until 1979; and
Whereas, Southern Railway donated the 57-acre complex to the State of North Carolina; and
Whereas, thousands of dollars and volunteer hours have been invested in the preservation and restoration of Spencer Shops; and
Whereas, Spencer Shops is now the home of the North Carolina Transportation Museum and hosts over 80,000 visitors per year whose tourism dollars are estimated to have an economic impact of $30,000,000 through the year 2000; and
Whereas, a major restoration of the Spencer Shops Roundhouse will be completed in 1996; and
Whereas, transportation, and particularly the railway industry, has been an important factor in the economic growth of North Carolina and the prosperity enjoyed by its citizens;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate:
Section 1.  The Senate wishes to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Spencer Shops in Rowan County.  The Senate further wishes to encourage the citizens of this State as well as railway enthusiasts throughout the country to join the Senate and the citizens of the Town of Spencer in supporting and participating in celebration activities on the 100th Anniversary of Spencer Shops in 1996.
Sec. 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Mayor of the Town of Spencer.
Sec. 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.