An Overlooked Treasure in the Park
By Barbara Heimlich
Editor
State Representative Joe Gresko, (D) 121st Connecticut House, and other members of the Stratford delegation collectively delivered a $25,000 check to the Booth Memorial Railway Society (BMRS), a cherished, fully volunteer nonprofit dedicated to preserving Stratford’s rich railroad history. The Connecticut General Assembly approved the funding in the bipartisan spending stabilization plan that passed during last year’s legislative session.
Rep. Gresko personally delivered the check, “expressing my appreciation for the BMRS’ ongoing efforts to maintain and showcase historical railway artifacts, educate the public, and inspire future generations of rail enthusiasts at the museum within Boothe Park.”
Paul DeVitto, President of BMRS, made these remarks online: “BMRS was the recipient of a grant from CT Humanities that will enable us to expand out internet presence. We are adding technology that will allow us to visually share our open house operating sessions inside the building, as well as the activity on the outdoor garden layout. You’re all seeing this on our new and improved website! It is a work in progress as is the camera installation mentioned above. I hope you’ll come and visit us during our spring and summer open houses! We look forward to seeing you soon!”
BMRS will allocate the state funds to:
- Replace 25-year-old window shades, providing both security and energy savings
- Purchase and install an Automated External Defibrillator
- Purchase and install new outdoor benches
- Improve security and webcam systems
- Install new equipment to support the museum’s collection and displays
This funding will help the museum execute its mission of promoting model trains and railroad history with modern amenities, making the exhibits more engaging and accessible to all visitors. These upgrades will also provide a safer and more secure experience at this beloved, timeless gem.
State Rep. Kaitlyn Shake (D) 120th District said, “The state funding for Boothe Memorial Railway Society is a huge success for their organization and will allow them to continue showcasing Stratford’s railroad history. I am excited and proud to see BMRS continue to thrive and bring our community together to learn about our history. The dedicated volunteers at BMRS have worked hard to educate our community, and their efforts do not go unnoticed.”
State Rep. Ben McGorty (R – Stratford, Shelton, Trumbull) said, “I am thrilled to see this funding allocated to the Boothe Memorial Railway Society, an organization that plays a vital role in preserving Stratford’s rich railroad history. This bipartisan effort to secure funding demonstrates what we can achieve when we collaborate for our communities. I applaud the BMRS for their hard work and dedication, and I look forward to witnessing their continued success in educating and inspiring visitors at Boothe Park.”
Established in 1999, BMRS has been an integral part of the many offerings at Boothe Memorial Park. BMRS is an all volunteer, non-profit charitable 501(c) (3) organization.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To promote an interest in model trains and railroad history through educational projects, community outreach, and fellowship among members, thus expanding the growth and enjoyment of the hobby, and appreciation of railroad history.
The Train Layouts at BMRS
G Gauge Facts & Figures
G Gauge is 1:22.5, and runs on a gauge of 1.75 inches. This is the largest scale offered, making them suitable for outdoor use in your garden, as well as large indoor spaces. G Scale model trains are also great for younger children to play with since they’re durable and rugged.
“
It’s O Gauge or No Gauge!”
That quote, made famous by Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory, sums up the role that O gauge trains have in model railroad history. When you say “Lionel Trains” to many people, the response is usually, “When I was A kid, I had …..”
HO Facts & Figures
In a bid to offer a small model railroad scale suitable for use in homes of all sizes, German manufacturer Bing released the Table-top Railway in 1922. Today, HO remains the most popular scale worldwide, with a large and varied selection of realistic models.
This layout was built before the building existed. It was donated to Boothe Park, and stored. When a group of people asked the town about forming a railroad museum, our building was built and the layout was moved in. The back side, where the zoo is, was added to the layout when it was installed at BMRS.
Connecticut’s Own: S gauge trains !
American Flyer trains, a part of AC Gilbert’s company, was based in New Haven, CT. Along with Erector Sets, Gilbert offered train sets and accessories in a size that’s just slightly smaller than O Gauge. This layout was designed to display a typical S gauge home layout. The buildings are part of the Plasticville line, and are a perfect fit for the S gauge trains.
Lots of details in our N Gauge room!
Our “tiny trains” room has scenery that reminds us of an Autumn scene in Connecticut! After a visit to our Garden Layout, it’s easy to see the differences in scale that our N Gauge room highlights.
Tinplate Layout
This layout is a look at the colorful trains of the 1920’s and 30’s A small layout that lights up the corner! Our tinplate layout is a replica of a small train display from the 1920’s and 30’s. You may notice that the scale of items and people isn’t very real, and the colors of the trains and building are bright and colorful. That’s what makes a tinplate layout something special. Note that all of the items on the layout are replicas of the trains and accessories manufactured almost 100 years ago. An authentic tinplate train (if you can find one!) might cost over $10,000!
The Railroad Museum at Boothe Park will open in May.
WE WELCOME ALL VISITORS TO BMRS OPEN HOUSE EVENTS. As always, admission is free! (Donations are appreciated) Open House hours are 1pm to 4pm, unless otherwise noted.
May 18 SUNDAY OPEN HOUSE 12-4 p.m. – BOOTHE PARK OPENING DAY !
MAY 24th – CLOSED for MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Open House – June 7,14,21,28
JULY 5 CLOSED FOR JULY 4th WEEKEND
Open House – July 12,19,26
Open House – August 2,9,16,23
AUGUST 30 CLOSED for LABOR DAY WEEKEND
TRAINS AT TWILIGHT
Special Nightime Open House!
September 5th 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars for these Fall events at BMRS !
SEPTEMBER 20 1-4 p.m.
OCTOBER 18 12-4 p.m.
NOVEMBER 15 1-4 p.m.
DECEMBER 13 1-4 p.m.
As one who has traveled on trains in Africa, England, France, Germany, Denmark, Canada, and the US, including the Durango to Silverton Scenic Railroad, I’m fascinated with trains.
I’m very gratified that the great Railroad Museum at Boothe Memorial Park
has received this generous grant from
the state of Connecticut .