Train Exhibit Extended at Historical Society
Check out 20th century toy trains until Feb. 19.
Photos
The trains will keep chugging along.
"The History of Toy Trains" exhibit at the Highland Park Historical Society has been extended through Feb. 19, according to a release issued by the society on Wednesday. The fifth installment of the exhibit features American Flyer and Lionel Standard Gauge trains that were built in the early 1900s. According to the release, many of these trains were built entirely of metal. As a result, most were melted down to be used in World War II.
“They are extraordinarily rare,” Historical Society board member JoBe Cerny told the Sun-Times recently. “These kind of trains are in the Smithsonian Museum or in elite private collections.”
The exhibit features over 100 standard gauge trains and hundreds of hand painted lead figures of the era. The historical society is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The society also offers group tours for schools, scouts, seniors and corporate outings.
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Bob Levi
9:49 am on Thursday, February 2, 2012
I rexcently visited this fine exhibit. In addition to lots rolling stock and accesories that broguth back memories, they show two films. The only toy train I had as a kid was one sent by my cousin from Germany just after WWII. Can remember if we ever got it running since the transformed wouldn't run on U.S. electricity. I helped a friend build HO stock for his layout and knew a few others who had some of the accesories exhibited. You might want to take your kids and/or grandkids to the exhibit before this type of Americana disappears.