Museum Director Tom Bergh

In the late 1990’s, restoration of the Depot building was complete, site work was finished, and the model railroad had been moved to the freight room. The waiting room and agent’s office ready for the Rancho Simi Foundation to turn its attention developing the railroad museum. President Walt Griffin suggested that Foundation member Tom Bergh, an avid antiques collector and dealer, spearhead the project.

Tom was appointed Museum Director in 2000 and went to work. He had a vision of what the museum should be but had no knowledge of what a waiting room or an agent’s office should look like. He went into research mode and came up with a design reminiscent of the 1930’s era.

Beginning with the purchase of a potbellied stove for the waiting room, he set out to acquire teletype and telegraph equipment, period furniture, a safe, and the many artifacts on display in the museum. Outside the building, he assembled a train order board, semaphore signals, a track speeder, a velocipede, maintenance of way tools, a baggage wagon, and a vintage stake bodied truck.

In 2016, the District made the upstairs agent’s quarters available for additional museum space. Once again, Tom went to work He and Foundation volunteers created a remarkable example of a 1930’s era apartment for the public to experience.

During the final years of his life, Tom put his heart and soul into creating a place where visitors could come and step back into time. Today, his legacy is enjoyed by more than two dozen volunteers and nearly 4000 visitors per year.

Tom, Jim Escalante, and Curt Osterhoudt laying the track for the Depot’s velocipede and speeder.

Tom and Curt mixing concrete for the wig-wag footing.

Tom and a helper setting up the Depot’s Order Board

Curt and Tom erecting a depot sign.

Getting the speeder on the track.

Brett and Travis Osterhoudt, Curt, and Tom rest after a Job well done.

Gary Standke roofing the speeder shed

Redecorating the apartment

Moving in the furniture

Muscling furniture upstairs (without scratching it)

Assembling the bedroom furniture

Assembling the kitchen stove