February 2018 • Enterprise Newsletter • Featuring Converse County Wyoming's business community
Local railroad artifacts sought for Train Museum
Historic train depot is being reorganized, exhibits added
Douglas was established with the arrival of the railroad in 1886. Efforts are underway to pay tribute to that railroad history at the historic FE&MV train depot, also built in 1886.

"Staff at the museum has been cleaning, sorting the current inventory and preparing for new exhibits," says Cindy Porter, Executive Director of The Enterprise. "On June 7, we'll be unveiling the building as a Train Museum. That's Railroad Day and the kick-off event to Jackalope Days 2018."

"We're hopeful that local citizens will help us with the train-themed exhibits in the updated building," says Porter. "If you, or a family member, have items of interest to train history we would appreciate the opportunity to utilize them in our displays." Porter is hopeful they'll find items that will help tell the story of Douglas' railroad history.

"The railroad is central to Douglas' history," says Porter, "and there isn't anywhere in town that truly tells that aspect of our heritage. We see the train museum as an opportunity to preserve that history and share it with visitors to our community."
The depot is surrounded by eight historic train cars and a steam locomotive. Discussions regarding repairs and preservation of the train cars are also underway. Many of the cars and the steam locomotive itself are of great historical significance.

"The steam locomotive in Douglas," explains Porter, "is one of only four of that model remaining today. The Depot and the trains have historically been a draw to the community and I think we can further expand the appeal and the number of visitors." The Depot will continue to serve as a visitors center, providing information about area attractions, events and businesses.

If you have train-themed relics, especially those specific to Douglas, please contact Porter at The Enterprise at 358-2000.
Those with train-themed relics are encouraged to call The Enterprise at 358-2000
Downtowns matter for the whole community
"Anchor tenants" are key to a destination's success
—Destination Development International
"An anchor tenant," says Destination Development International, "is your primary lure — what makes you worth a special trip."

DDI continues, "To be a successful community, you must have at least one or two anchor businesses, ones that people would drive an hour - or more - to visit."

DDI suggests, "Always promote your anchor tenants — your primary lures. Create a 'best of' brochure for your community that highlights your very best attractions and businesses."
Local historians plan downtown event
Sat., March 24 • 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Downtown Douglas
The Converse County Historical Society is planning its 2nd Annual Prohibition Party. For complete details on the event that includes live music, 1920s era costumes and tons of fun see their event page on Facebook.
Local libraries offering numerous events!
Libraries offering numerous programs and family fun
The calendar of events at Converse County's libraries, located in Douglas and Glenrock, continues to be a nice community offering. Library staff and community volunteers are making wonderful use of the new facilities, with frequent lectures, workshops, crafts and more. You can find more information on Facebook or by calling them at 358-3644 for event details.
Jackalope Days 2018 is June 7-10
Community involvement encouraged
Save the date....JACKALOPE DAYS 2018 will take place the second weekend in June, carrying on a long-held Douglas tradition.

"City leaders," says Cindy Porter, Executive Director of The Enterprise, "have expressed a desire to see the festival grow and for more people to become involved. That truly takes the community rallying around the event, volunteering and participating in the gathering." If you or your organization would like to become involved, call Cindy at 358-2000. The Jackalope Days Committee will be meeting soon to begin planning.

Jackalope Days will again begin with Railroad Days on Thursday at the Train Museum and the First Thursday gathering will take place that same evening in downtown Douglas. A car show, street dance, rainbow run, brewfest, brown bag lunch and music in Jackalope Square are among the events planned for the following days. "It's always great to see our community gather in Jackalope Square, in the downtown area, and throughout Douglas," says Porter.

Stay informed about growing plans by following the event on Facebook via the link to the right.
Now is a great time to join The Enterprise!
Douglas is OPEN for business and The Enterprise is here to help!
By joining The Enterprise you'll be supporting those working to improve, enhance and beautify the Douglas community. You'll be supporting efforts to bring new business to Converse County. You'll be supporting those who are hosting events, like the farmers markets and Jackalope Days. You'll also be supporting local entrepreneurs, those who look to The Enterprise to vet an idea or develop a business plan. You'll be investing in your own community's future. Join today!
Thank you to our Corporate Members!
QUOTE-WORTHY...
"Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." — Warren Buffet
The Enterprise | 307.358.2000 | CPorter@candoWyoming.com | SeeWhatConverseCANDO.com