Railroad Days for the kid in all of us

For those folks interested in railroad memorabilia, model and toy trains, or just enjoy a unique collection on a nice day out, you are in luck.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) and sponsorship by NIA Insurance Group, Historic Cold Spring Village’s Annual Railroad Days weekend will take place again on Aug. 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Working scale model railroads will be in operation, as well as displays of memorabilia and railroad merchandise vendors. Under the big tent at the Welcome Center and along the village’s shady lanes, visitors will find presentations and displays from a variety of groups.
The South Jersey Garden Railroad Society will be exhibiting a display of HCSV buildings and a circus setting. They’ll offer a hands-on experience with everyone’s favorite tank engine!
Additional groups including Just 4 Fun, East Penn Tractor Club and Strasburg Railroad Club will be showing a variety of models and landscapes throughout the Village.
Atlantic Shore Model Railroaders will be presenting two pre-war operating model O-gauge Lionel trains. Train memorabilia and railroad ephemera will be on display and available for purchase.
There will also be children’s activities including family games, activities and dress-up at the crafts area, as well as free toy train rides in the afternoons.
“This is a wonderful event for the whole family. The model railroad layouts are always fascinating to see in action,” said Karen Hollywood, event coordinator. “Railroad lore is an integral part of the American experience and the history of transportation.”
Two of the Village’s historic structures are linked to Cape May County’s railroading heritage. The Rio Grande Station, donated to HCSV in 1974 and recently added to the National and State Registers of Historic Places, was built in 1894 by the Atlantic City Railroad to serve the Middle Township rural farming community of Rio Grande.
The Woodbine Junction Tower is a two-story signal tower built in 1894 that originally stood in Dennis Township. It controlled the Woodbine Junction of the Atlantic City Railroad, which was the western end of a branch line that ran east to Ocean City.
The tower was acquired by HCSV in 1974. Although Cape May Seashore Lines does not currently run a train through Cold Spring, Cape May County’s Cold Spring bike path is open to the public.
The path, which parallels the train tracks, runs along the former route of the Cape May and Millville Railroad, the first railroad in Cape May County. The 2.72 mile-long bike path was constructed during the summer and fall of 2002.
Historic Cold Spring Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and four miles south of Rio Grande. Call 609-884-0114 for additional information.