Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: miniature railroads

A postcard view of the miniature railroad and playground at Pen Mar Park , circa 1937.

"Miniature Railway, House of David Park, Benton Harbor, Mich. 14." A miniature railroad at an amusement park that was operated by the House of David , a religious commune in Benton Harbor , Michigan, whose members also performed in touring bands and played on baseball teams. Check out another view of the Miniature Railway, House of David Park, Benton Harbor, Michigan .

"Miniature Railway for the Kiddies, Willow Grove Park. Philadelphia Rapid Transit Co. 07694625. One 6¼¢ fare. G. W. Davis, treasurer." Handwritten: "1924." From the Street Railway Review , Feb. 16, 1906, p. 66: " Willow Grove Park is owned by the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Co. [which later became the Philadelphia Transportation Company ]. It is situated in Montgomery county, 13 miles from the center of Philadelphia, and is the terminus of six direct car lines, making it easy of access from all points in and about the city. It covers an area of more than 100 acres containing many natural and artificial beauties."

Original caption: "I am pushing on the lines. Will show you a full line of samples about...." With written additions: "I am pushing on the lines. Will see you about next Saturday if plans pan out O.K. Shall I bring a trunk? Store's not open Sat., so if you come home, come to end of line, [or?] phone from square." A salesman normally would have used a postcard like this to notify potential customers when he'd arrive at their location to show them samples of his merchandise, but instead the sender of this card has altered the message to arrange a time to meet a friend or relative.

"18. Miniature Railway, House of David Park." Part of an amusement park that was opened in 1908 by the House of David religious commune, this miniature railway ceased operations when the park closed in 1972. Fortunately, however, the railroad was recently restored, and it reopened for rides in 2011. For a history of the railway, see Dave Schoeffler's article, " The House of David Railroad ," in Discover Live Steam: The On-Line Magazine of Rideable Model Railroading . See also another view of the Miniature Railway, House of David Park, Benton Harbor, Michigan .