Merriam-Webster's on-line definition of a friend is: one that favors or promotes something (as a charity). During the past three months, I became acquainted with the "Friends of Gillette Castle State Park" after doing a story about their restoration effort of actor William Gillette's Electric Engine. The 1930's Steam Locomotive facsimile was worn and tired after circumnavigating Lake Compounce Amusement Park for nearly 50 years. The new owners of the Amusement Park gave it back to the State, who stored it along with it's sister "STEAM ENGINE" to be resurrected somewhere down the line.

After a multi-million dollar renovation of Gillette's stunning stone Castle high above the Connecticut River in East Haddam, the Friends of Gillette Castle became inspired to renovate one of the actor's most cherished possessions, his toy train engines. The Electric engine was the first to come out of hibernation. That was 10 years ago. Ted Tine of Ted Tine Motorsports of Chester initially took on the project. Eight years would tick by before "FRIENDS" President Judi Glover started pushing. The "FRIENDS" tight knit group would grow to include world renowned wood and metal artisans, historians and others, all collaborating on the restoration of the Little Engine. A dedicated task-master and stickler for detail, Ted wasn't going to settle for a "mop and glow" restoration. No, as I've come to know Ted Tine the work he produces is only top notch. Just check it out for yourselves, and the Gold Leaf 7-S logo on the boiler which represents the name Gillette called his 3 mile rail line: Seven Sisters RR.

Meeting, and then getting to know many of those involved during the last weeks of this restoration project showed me again how much people care about our beautiful State, our local history and their passion for preserving a little bit of the past for future generations.

And special thanks to another "FRIEND", my cousin Phil Gauvin and his crew at PYRO-FX and TRIPEG STUDIOS in Hamden for their generous donation of time and talent. Their special effects and fireworks show enabled the "Friends of Gillette Castle State Park" to showcase William Gillette's engine as it finally comes home.

So, what do you say "FRIENDS", I hear a whistle blowing and the voice of Mr. Gillette -

as he stated in his will: