Membership Meetings

Chessie membership meetings were normally held on the first Wednesday of April through August and October through December at 8 p.m. in the beautifully restored former B&O station, located at 8100 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, where the evening's presentations were augmented by the trains of MARC, CSX and Metro. Our meetings feature a wide variety of rail topics, to include slide shows of current and long-gone railway operations, rail-oriented films, historical presentations on a particular railroad, as well as freight and passenger rail industry professionals. There was something for everyone and, as an added incentive, those who provided a presentation received a free year's membership.

The government-imposed lockdown surrounding the Covid hysteria suspended our monthly meetings. Subsequently the local area crime problem worsened, to include shootings, carjackings, robberies, etc. Although the station itself was an excellent meeting place, the decline in safety in the surrounding area put an end to our monthly meetings.

Annual Picnic

On Saturday of the Labor Day weekend we hold our annual picnic at the Walkersville Community Park in Walkersville, Maryland, located alongside the Walkersville Southern Railroad. This is a joint Chessie-WS event at which we enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, fried chicken, chips, cookies and soft drinks and relax in the mild weather. Our picnics include rides on a WS train. Like all other Chessie gatherings, you're welcome to bring friends and family to enjoy a day on the railroad. Dates for the picnics vary each year, so contact Chessie for specific times and dates. The 2025 picnic is scheduled for Saturday, August 30 at 12:30 p.m.

Why stay home to watch reruns on TV when you can join your friends in enjoying railroad presentations and activities? Contact Chessie to come aboard and join in the fun!

Picnic Photo Credits: Black & White: Alex Mayes; Color: Bob Thompson