Although I am not longer a member, I live a few miles from Palmer and get to the shows every year.
http://www.amherstrail.org/ARS/news-PalmerBldg-1.php
I hope to get to the open hoiuse.
Any model railroaders in the Springfield, Ma area, train watchers might be interested.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Congratulations to them - that building has obvious possibilities. Best of all, there won't ever be a surprise notice to vacate!
What I really like is the adequate parking - something every club should have (and most don't.)
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
That's great news, Rich. I'm glad to hear about any model RR club getting a permanent site. I have quite a few relatives on my dad's side that were railroaders in the Palmer area. My dad was born in Barre Plains on the Ware River Branch and his father was the B&M agent there. My uncle Kenny was agent at Palmer in the 1960's and '70s. Uncle Charles was operator at Webster Junction on the B&A. Great railroad heritage in that area. Another uncle, Ralph was agent at East Brookfield for a while.
Barre Plains was torn up pretty badly in the Great 1938 New England Hurricane. My dad had some photos of the damage to the Ware River Branch.
Several clubs in the Cleveland area have fallen prey to the eviction routine. Not too easy when rent is so high and money so tight.
Maybe I'll be able to visit the area sometime in the future...
Regards, Ed
Rich:
Congratulations to the club! That is quite an accomplishment for a small but obviously dedicated group of modellers.
It's also great to see that a building constructed in 1848 will be maintained and preserved. Just judging by the roof lines (as an ex roofing salesperson) the building looks to be pretty solid.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
A great train club. They have done very well over the years running the two day train show every year in West Springfield, Ma.
I use to go to their meetings at a school in Amherst, Ma.
Ed,
Great pic!
Yes, congrats are in order! A project like this speaks well of the club's organization, membership, and their participation. I helped manage a similar project for a (non-RR-related) non-profit to acquire, relocate, and set up shop again in the old downtown PO here. What a project, literally years worth of work just to get to move-in day, let alone beyond. My hat is off and don't forget to not let a few people take up most of the load. A building benefits every member.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Palmer's an interesting town in it's own right, I've been through there twice while attending the Brimfield antiques festival. CSX has a busy line through there and so does the New England Central. Both lines run past the old Palmer depot, now the Steaming Tender restaurant. Neat place.