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Gary Sipma and Karen Book both died in that train accident. It was lunch time, 1964, and four students were driving down Jackson Street, near the Sunkist prune drying sheds. Jackson St. crossed the railroad tracks in an area that had warehouses and drying sheds. The location is one block south of Lincoln. Visibility was limited and there was no railroad crossing signal at that time.
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Jerry Foster
I remember the incident. It was tragic. I didnt know Karen but I believe it was her brother, Danny Book who became a Police Officer the same time I did in 1973. Danny eventually transferred to Alaska and havent seen him since then. I had a similar accident my senior year after granduation one block north at the Lincoln tracks. My best friend Gary Converse was driving his 58 Pontiac he was so proud of. Just as we hit the tracks a train came from behind the furniture store there and Gary hit the brakes and pulled the car into a large post that stopped us from hitting the train. The Pontiac was totalled and we had a coupe of busted lips from the dash impact but we were given a second chance unlike Karens accident. Those were two spots that took their toll and didnt seem to matter then what the railroad did then. It took many years before crossing arms were installed.
Mary Pryts (Thomas)
I remember the accident well. It happened on a Friday or a Saturday night, I believe, February, 29th., in 1964. At the Jackson street railroad tracks. I had been on a ski trip, that weekend, with my family, and heard about it on Monday morning, at school. I also saw it in the Napa register. I was totally shocked and in disbelief. I had talked with Karen, that Friday morning, in swimming class, at the high school. She wasn't feeling well, that day, and sat out, and didn't swim.
Karen Book and Gary Sipma had died in the crash. Kathy Hill and another boy had survived. The four kids were starting out on a double date, when they didn't see the train, and it hit their car. The visibilty in that intersection was almost none. I believe my friend Karen, suffered severe head injuries, and died at The Queen, shortly after. It is still sad.
I saw a comment on Facebook, last year, that said the kids were joy riding and tried to beat the train...not true at all!!!
When I first moved to Napa, in 1960, Karen Book was my very first friend at Silverado Jr, High school. She was so sweet, beautiful and kind, and so full of life. She made me feel so welcomed at my new school. I will always remember and thank her for that. I still visit her grave site, at Tulocay. Along with other departed friends.
Rest in Peace Karen and Gary...you died too young, but brought sunshine and happiness to others, with the short time that you had...thank you so very much... With love, Mary