Since I first came to Folsom, there has been one person I have consistently turned to whenever I wanted to learn more about the railroad history that helped shape this city.
That person is Bill Anderson.
Whether it was a scheduled interview, a chance encounter on Sutter Street or a conversation that started with a simple question and somehow turned into a lengthy history lesson, I have always walked away from a conversation with Bill knowing more than I did before. In fact, some of my favorite conversations over the years have happened completely by accident while passing him in Historic Folsom or stopping to chat for what I thought would be a few minutes.
With Bill, a few minutes rarely stays a few minutes.
Not because he likes hearing himself talk, but because he genuinely loves history and loves sharing it with others. There is a difference. Plenty of people know history. Plenty of people can recite dates, facts and names. Bill certainly can do all of that, but what makes him special is his passion for helping others understand why those stories matter.
He does not just preserve history. He brings it to life.
That is why I could not have been happier to learn that he had been selected as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Historic Folsom Hometown Parade.
In a year when America is celebrating its 250th anniversary, the City of Folsom is celebrating its 80th anniversary and the Folsom Pro Rodeo is celebrating its 65th year, the honor feels especially fitting. This is a year centered around history, tradition and community pride. Few people embody those things better than Bill Anderson.
For decades, Bill has dedicated himself to preserving and sharing the stories that helped shape Folsom. Through his work with the railroad museum, railroad preservation efforts and countless conversations with residents and visitors, he has helped ensure that important pieces of our community’s story are not forgotten. More importantly, he has spent years passing that knowledge along to others so those stories can continue to be told for generations to come.
What I have always admired most about Bill is that none of it has ever been about recognition.
He has never struck me as someone interested in awards, titles or public attention. He simply loves this community and believes its history is worth preserving. Anyone who has spent time talking with him quickly understands that his enthusiasm is genuine. Whether he is talking about the Sacramento Valley Railroad, Theodore Judah, the railroad turntable or some little-known story from Folsom’s past, you can see how much he enjoys sharing that knowledge.
Many of us who write about local history, talk about local history or share stories about Folsom have learned something from Bill at one time or another.
I know I certainly have.
Beyond his knowledge, Bill is also one of the kindest and most humble people you will ever meet. Over the years, he has become known not only as a railroad historian, but also as a community volunteer, storyteller and even Santa Claus for generations of local families. No matter how people know him, the common theme is always the same. Bill cares deeply about Folsom and the people who call it home.
That is one of the reasons this honor means so much.
While I know Bill well enough to know he is probably a little uncomfortable being the center of attention, I also know how much he loves this community. Being selected as Grand Marshal is not simply a title. It is a heartfelt thank you from a community that recognizes everything he has contributed over the years.
The Folsom Historic District Association and the 2026 Historic Folsom Hometown Parade Committee deserve tremendous credit for their choice. In my opinion, they selected someone who perfectly represents the spirit of this milestone year and the values the celebration is intended to honor.
As thousands of people gather in Historic Folsom on July 1 to celebrate our city’s history, the return of the cattle drive and the beginning of rodeo week, they will see Bill Anderson leading the parade down Sutter Street.
I hope they take a moment to appreciate what that represents.
It represents decades of volunteerism, education, preservation and community service. It represents a man who has spent much of his life making sure Folsom’s stories survive long enough to be shared with future generations.
Most importantly, it represents a community taking the time to celebrate one of its own.
For decades, Bill Anderson has helped preserve the story of Folsom.
This year, Folsom gets to celebrate him on July 1 starting at 7 p.m, in Historic Folsom.
And in my opinion, that is exactly as it should be.
Bill Sullivan is the co-founder/owner of All Town Media LLC and Folsom Times
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