Train history preserved, celebrated with Findlay event

FINDLAY - Even though the railroad industry is no longer a major player in northwest Ohio, the train tracks that criss cross the landscape are a reminder of when trains were an integral part of life and perhaps even the reason why many local cities, like Lima, exist.

Whew. That's a heavy load for trains to haul, being the reason for existence. This weekend that history will be explored and celebrated in Findlay at the "Tracks to the Past" event sponsored by the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc. According to Dennis Russell, president of the preservation organization, railroads had their heyday in this area before highways and "you name it, they hauled it," he said.

"Tracks to the Past," Saturday and Sunday, is the organization's way of preserving the history of railroads in this area. Quarter-scale steam engine rides will give event participants somewhat of a taste for what the old railroads were like, along with demonstrations of steam-powered tractors and saw mills. It's a history lesson disguised as a festival and for those interested in the hows and whys of local heritage, it's an important lesson.

"Lima probably wouldn't exist without the railroads," he said.

Trains were once built in Lima at the Lima Locomotive Works Inc., circa 1879, and in the coming decades various railroad companies serviced the city. The end of the 1940s was the end of the line for train production in Lima, with the company shifting its focus to the production of factory equipment, according to an Ohio history Web site, www.ohiohistorycentral.org.

It's sad, in a way, that that piece of history fading away. However, that's the reason for groups like the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc. and events like "Tracks to the Past," according to Russell.

"(The purpose is) to preserve railroad history in northwest Ohio," he said. The group was incorporated in 1998 and made open to the public in 2002. "Tracks to the Past" is in its sixth year, Russell said.

"Time flies when you're having fun. It's a way for us to have a full event to highlight and showcase (trains and antique power)," he said.

The event also includes Civil War reenactments, a Lionel toy train layout, antique cars, trucks and fire engines, birds of prey, miniature horses and more. Cost is $2 for adults and $1 for kids ages 12 and younger. Train rides go for $1 each. An all-you-can eat pancake breakfast will be served each morning, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., $5 for adults and $3 for kids. Festivities run until dark on Saturday and until 5 p.m. Sunday. "Tracks to the Past" is located just west of Findlay Road at the northeast corner of Interstate 75 exit 161 on County Road 99.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday

WHERE: 11600 County Road 99, Findlay

COST: $2 adults; $1 kids 12 and younger

FOR MORE INFO: 419-423-2995