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A tradition unlike any other

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Posted By: Judy W., 12/15/2022 8:14:08 AM

Americans love to cleave to cultural traditions that have stood the test of time — especially ones that tell stories of the people who formed their communities, stories that reflect the craftsmanship, sacrifice and hard work of those who came before us. When inventor and master tinkerer Joshua Lionel Cowen designed an electric fan operated by dry cells—and then, using the same motor that drove the fan, built a miniature railroad car—he began a business and a movement that has enthralled millions of people young and old. Hobbyists not only bought trains and track, but also often created elaborate homemade displays enjoyed by family and friends over the Christmas holidays.

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Western Pennsylvania is unique, I think. This is a lovely story, with some good photos at the end.

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Reply 1 - Posted by: bamapreacher 12/15/2022 9:07:10 AM (No. 1357083)
Bowdish lived well into his 90's so his hobby kept him young. Some people probably realize that Cowen gave his middle name to his model train company but it should have been mentioned anyway. It must be an amazing display to see and hopefully the history will live on for another hundred years.
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Reply 2 - Posted by: udanja99 12/15/2022 9:08:17 AM (No. 1357084)
Agreed, OP. A lovely story. Thanks for posting! I think that pretty much everyone is fascinated with miniatures. Which explains the love of model railroads and doll houses. I know a couple of men who are in their 70’s who have rooms in their homes which are dedicated to their model railroads which they are constantly adding to. And I know grown women who have doll houses. Here in Charleston, the premier hotel puts up a huge model railroad Christmas village in the center of the lobby beneath a magnificent chandelier every year. It’s a huge attraction not only for those staying in the hotel but for visitors to the city from all over the country.
6 people like this.

Reply 3 - Posted by: HPmatt 12/15/2022 9:14:31 AM (No. 1357093)
O gauge....gotta have a lot of space for those....
3 people like this.

Reply 4 - Posted by: bad-hair 12/15/2022 9:38:25 AM (No. 1357120)
Came from a 4 generation railroad family and worked on the real ones myself. Yep I had a model train room. Great moments in life ... at 8 I could finally afford 2 switches ... yeehaw, more track.
5 people like this.

Reply 5 - Posted by: Mizz Fixxit 12/15/2022 11:14:45 AM (No. 1357286)
Thanks for posting. There was a fantastic model train shop in Denver called Caboose Hobbies that closed in 2016. Caboose Hobbies was known as world’s largest model train store. I heard the store was going to reopen under new ownership at a new location, but I am unsure if that ever happened.
2 people like this.

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