Trains Under The Tree
Date and Time
Saturday Nov 19, 2016 Saturday Jan 21, 2017
Thursday to Saturday from 10 to 4:30
Location
232 N. Trade Street Matthews, NC 28105
Fees/Admission
$4.00 per adult, $2 for 11- 17, 10 and under free. We are free to the public the first Saturday of every month.
Contact Information
704-708-4996
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Description
Matthews was a town that grew because of the influence of the train. For a time about ¼ of the work force made a living from the trains. At the turn of the century, this form of transportation was memorialized in toy form. The sound of the wheels rolling on metal rails, the smell of the smoke from a steam locomotive and the warm electric hum of the transformer bring back memories of Christmas and hobby times past. Lionel model trains have been an integral part of American history for fathers and sons since being introduced in 1901. From wooden push trains, to wind up trains, to battery powered and electric, trains have long been a part of childhood. Joshua Lionel Cowen wasn’t the first to build an electric toy train but his trains quickly became the best. They stayed ahead of their would-be competitors by continually evolving and innovating new model trains and accessories. Lionel grew to be the largest toy brand in the world by the 1950s, enduring the Great Depression and two world wars, and is still enjoyed by today’s generation though many of today’s trains are now powered by computer board. The trains featured in this exhibit include a wind-up train made of tin plate, numerous Lionel trains including coal tenders, commuter cars, and cabooses, as well as a recent CSX engine that literally has all the bells and whistles! Today’s collectors are often adults as the toys have become more sophisticated and detailed in appearance responding to the digital age. The collection comes from Roy and Diana Johnson and encompasses 4 generations that have explored the enjoyment of setting up the trains beginning in the early 1920s. Stop by the museum and remember the excitement of Christmas morning and trains under the tree! The Matthews Heritage Museum is open Thursday to Saturday from 10 to 4:30. A small admission fee is charged. We are free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Plan to have a special Christmas outing and bring the family to see Trains under the Tree!