Valley Girl Views: The Milton Model Train Museum

Take A Tour of The Milton Model Train Museum

A reproduction of the town of Milton, originally created by Rev. Robert Walker

Milton's history is full of trains. When the flood waters washed out the bridges in 1889, Milton was without a bridge across to West Milton for 5 years. But a temporary train bridge was rebuilt within days, and a new permanent train bridge was up within a year.

At one time, Milton had more passenger trains than any other town of its size in the state.

And with all of that history, we are fortunate to have had quite a few train enthusiasts too. Including one who lived across the river in Lewisburg.

Rev. Robert Walker had a small train store in his basement in Lewisburg, known as Grandpa Choo Choos, as well as his own hobby layout. With handcrafted buildings made to look like the buildings of Milton, all wired from electric street poles, he not only had a love for trains, but a love for the history of the town. In his retirement, he wanted the display to go where others could enjoy it.

The display was so large that it would not fit in the Cameron House, where the Milton Historical Society is houses, but the Milton Moose had a third floor room that was perfect for the display.

And, Milton had quite a few volunteers who love trains, to not only rebuild the display, but continue to add to it.

The Milton Model Train Museum is under the umbrella of the T.I.M.E organization, and the volunteers put in countless hours resetting displays, and building new buildings to represent Milton's history. Thanks to their generous efforts and time, and grants and donations from the community, the Milton Model Train is open for everyone to view throughout the year, free of charge. It's an absolute treasure, and a fantastic representation of the history of the town.

For Information on when the museum is open,
Follow The Milton Model Train Facebook Page here:
https://www.facebook.com/miltonmodeltrainmuseumofpa/

MILTON TRAIN LAYOUT

[From a hand out at the display]

"The layout before you is a representation of Milton in the 1950's that the late Reverend Robert Walker grew up knowing. It is an interactive platform with buttons along the way providing action. A number of the buildings and businesses were from his private layout and offered memories of importance in his formative years. The ongoing efforts have expanded on that original theme. Enjoy your tour of Milton!

At the north end of town lie ACF Industries. The original company started as Murray, Dougal, and Company in 1864. They continue today building railroad tank cars. The old Lincoln Street Elementary School now serves as the ACF Engineering Building.

Moving to Broadway and looking to the west, you will see the Capital Theater and the downtown. Reverend Walker's first movie he saw at the Capital was Love Letters. What is presently playing? Parked in front is Elston Beachel's pink Studebaker taxi. The PUC referred to it as "the most beautiful taxi cab in Pennsylvania."

Next you will see the Pennsylvania Station where a round trip ticket to Harrisburg for shopping could be easily purchased.

As you move into the southern end of Milton all five of Milton's ward fire companies are battling two separate structure fires! This end of town is the location of Hector Boardi's Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee plant built in 1938. Here are also Stahl's Feed Mill, Yocum's Coal Yard, and Sampsell Field; where a ball game is presently underway.

The island between Milton and West Milton was a home to many things including an occasional circus and both a practice and home field for the Milton High School Football Team.

The southeast corner is home to a rail repair yard. Maybe it was Shippers Car Line or just artistic liberty?

The farm on the next corner will lead you into the heart of Milton. Can you find the Moose Building, where you presently are?

Look back to Bound Avenue and you'll see Milton's other theater, The Legionaire. The common nickname for The Legionaire was The Bang-Bang because it showed almost all western movies!

Moving north, past Broadway, you'll discover The Milton Post Office. Built in 1934, it stands yet with the art deco interior and exterior.

Behind you, on the hill, and proceeding to the southwest corner of the layout are homes, a train station, and a roundhouse. It might be West Milton. There was a station and roundhouse in West Milton on the Reading Line. Maybe it is just artistic liberty again? You decide. It's your imagination!