SierraNevadaAirstreams.org -|- Sierra Nevada Unit -|- SNU History

Enjoyment of the whispering winds, the zephyrs, the airstreams of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin areas of the United States in a recreational vehicle

50^th Anniversary of the Sierra Nevada Unit 1976 – 2026

Posted on FaceBook 4/11/2026

When I mentioned, in an earlier post that “The SNU was the little Unit that could” I probably showed my age:-) The statement referenced a children's book that I grew up with. It pretty accurately describes the SNU in the early 2000’s. Here is a statement about that book from the internet.

The Little Engine That Could, by Watty Piper, is a classic children’s story first published in 1930, known for teaching optimism and perseverance through the tale of a small engine that successfully pulls a train over a mountain by repeating the phrase, “I think I can!”. The story, which originated as an American folktale, has multiple editions with different illustrations, but the core message of determination remains central, making it a beloved book for generations.

Key aspects of the book:

• Author: Watty Piper (a pseudonym for Arnold Munk).

• Core Theme: The power of a positive attitude and hard work to overcome challenges.

• Famous Line: "I think I can, I think I can," which changes to "I know I can, I know I can" as the engine succeeds.

• Plot: A train full of toys breaks down, and various larger engines refuse to help, but a small, blue engine agrees to try, chugging up the mountain with her mantra.

• Legacy: It has sold millions of copies and is considered a staple in children's literature, with many versions available, including the original 1930 edition and later illustrated versions.

I guess in someways it relates to the 2026 trip across the nation of the historic steam engine Big Boy No. 4014 which is passing through Nevada this month. Big Boy’s trip is in celebration of America’s 250^th Anniversary. For the SNU – the little unit that could (and did!) – 2026 celebrates our 50^th Anniversary.

*Click on image for larger view

These are the members who got the SNU over the hill
Fred & Ann Hersey MaryLou & Don Damoth	Bryan Leipper, Diane Leipper

Posted on FaceBook October 1, 2025

2026 will be the 50th Anniversary of the Sierra Nevada Unit. For me, this means a lot. In 2002 the SNU had hit rock bottom. There were only 3 active members (6 people). We were told we should either merge with another Unit or disband. We chose to just keep going and slowly began to rebuild. By 2006 the SNU miraculously celebrated it’s 30th anniversary. It wasn’t a miracle though. It was dedication, perseverance and a belief in what the SNU could be. Through ups and downs the SNU has gone on to celebrate it’s 35th anniversary in 2011 and it’s 40th anniversary in 2016. So, for the little Unit that could, 2026 is truly a milestone.

Back to 50^th Anniversary main page -|- Back to Tidbits

Sierra Nevada Airstreams home page -|- Destinations -|- Memories -|- Owner's Guide -|- Community

note: all photographs on this site are for personal, private, and non-commercial use only. All other copyrights are retained by the individual photographers. See our policy. Disclaimer: any advice or suggestion presented is provided for informational purposes only and is correct and accurate only to the best of our knowledge at the time it was written. Anyone using such information does so at their own risk. Errors or omissions may exist and additional sources of information or appropriately licensed or qualified personnel should be consulted in deciding a course of action. We assume no liability or obligation by providing this information and warn any users of this information that they do so at their own risk. All links or references to commercial vendors or other sources of information and equipment do not intend or imply or convey any endorsement of that source or the product. They are provided strictly for informational purposes to illustrate the topic at hand. Sierra Nevada Airstreams Enjoyment of the whispering winds, the zephyrs, the airstreams of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin areas of the United States is a personal, nonprofit, noncommercial web site intended for educational and recreational use only. This site is supported by volunteer effort and contributions. Donations accepted thanks to the Amazon.com