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Do you ever wonder what Wilton looked like in the 1940s or '50s? To find your answer go no further than the Wilton Historical Society, where the 13th Annual Great Trains Exhibit is on display and showcases many miniature replicas of the town.
The Wilton replicas and Thomas the Tank Engine are among the more popular sets at the historical society. But Dave Forslund, one of the volunteers that started the Great Trains Exhibit, said each visitor likes different sets.
"The smaller the kid, the bigger the train," Forslund said, "The parents like the O-gauge because it reminds them of when they were kids."
When the exhibit began in 1998, it was in one little room but has expanded every year since. Now the exhibit includes 13 trains, which range from the tiny Z-gauge to the much larger G-gauge, which runs outside of the historical society when weather allows. It is the first year the historical society has had the outdoor set.
The Great Trains Exhibit has always been run by volunteers, and this year was no different. A total of 11 people spent more than 350 hours to set up the trains. All of the trains either belong to volunteers or have been the donated to the historical society by other residents.
The train exhibit continues through Jan. 17. The historical society, 224 Danbury Road, is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It is free for children and members; a $5 donation is suggested for adult nonmembers. For more information, call 203-762-7257 or visit the website.
Are you a big train fan? Why are trains so endlessly fascinating, especially to young boys? Leave a comment below.
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