Jim Smith hopes to introduce a forgotten part of yesteryear in these parts — rail travel — back to Iola.
Smith has converted three second-floor rooms of the old Globe building, 2 S. Washington Ave., into a rail museum.
He’ll have the museum open this evening during the weekly Allen County Farmers’ Market on the square, and each Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3.
“I’m really hoping to get kids to come visit,” Smith said. “A lot of people don’t know a lot about passenger trains.”
A lifelong railroad enthusiast, Smith has collected model trains through the years — he started his third full-fledged collection about 12 years ago — to go with scores of books, photos and even films about rail travel.
The museum complex provides a nearly perfect venue, he said.
The first room, of course, has a model railroad set up, complete with digital controls capable of operating three trains simultaneously. Sound effects are included.
“I’m always adding to it,” he said, noting his recent addition of a replica telegraph office — complete with telegraph key.
A second room is the library. “It’s not huge, but I have quite a few railroad books,” he said.
The third room, a movie theater, has close to 100 videos about railroads.
Completing the exhibits are several photos of trains, depots, schedules and other artifacts, many of which have ties to Iola.
“About the only problem is it’s on the second floor,” Smith explained, so accessibility is an issue. “And we have fans, but it’s not air-conditioned.”
There is no charge to enter the museum.
Smith also will open his museum for private functions, by appointment.
Call 228-3942 for details.
Iola man’s museum opens window to rail history
