Roadside America Story

Thanks for the link. Glad to read that they raised enough money to get their roof.

I've been there a few times.

Alentown, thanks for the update.  Incredibly enough even though I have lived in South Jersey for 46 years I have never traveled to see Roadside America.  The May 20th celebration sounds like a good time to remedy that oversight.

Man, that's good news. Been there a few times. 

Great place, but haven't been in a while....

Peter

I was there when I was little, also we hit Strasburg that same year. Was back in the 70's. When my second youngest niece was 4 or so, we when out there with my sister, her step daughter(and of course my niece). Oh memories, she will be 19 this year(I believe). We hit Strasburg last year which was most enjoyable for all.

It would be very sad if one of the last remaining historical O gauge layouts had to close its doors. The layout tells a story of Pennsylvania in the 1940 and 1950's and of the work of Lawrence Geiringer. It remains largely the same as when it was first finished. Its a true piece of Americana and a remarkable lifes achievement for one man.  What I would like to see is the floor layout lifted to waist level. It could be appreciated better that way but I don't see that happening. Lets be glad that its still there.

Visited once as a kid and again as an adult.  Probably time to visit again before I'm a senior citizen. 

What I would like to see is the floor layout lifted to waist level

I don't remember there being a floor layout.

So glad to hear this.  Truly, Roadside America is an iconic example of the early days of our hobby.  Something everyone should see.

Glad it's being preserved, and thanks to all those who helped.

          Logan

The family carries on

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPlIJSp_Ias

I have been to Roadside America at least 4 times. The layout is a huge O gauge layout using tubular track. They even have a small fish pond in one corner. I think they have updated their power supply for the track. Some of the scenes remind you of the 1940's Berk's County area. The houses were built so well that you could sit on them and not damage them, but time may have made them a little bit weaker.

My maternal grandmother knew the builder of Roadside America, Mr. Geiringer. 

Lee Fritz

What I would like to see is more train running, Update the electronics to the rails so this is possible.

I am exactly one hour away.  I hope to get there this year.  BigRail

Thank you for posting this. I visited there 20+ years ago. So nice to see that it is being kept alive. It today's world, these small but important landmarks seem to be rapidly fading.

C W Burfle posted:

What I would like to see is the floor layout lifted to waist level

I don't remember there being a floor layout.

I stand corrected. The layout is not at floor level but I recall that it was built  lower to the floor than most of the layouts of today. I recall looking down to see everything but must say that its still a work of art with many animations.

Well Dennis, it is built in an old bowling alley.