Upcoming Events
South County
Historical Society
Upcoming Events
Railroad Weekend
December 8th and 9th
Click Here for
flyer
Full Schedule and info below
Railroad
Weekend at the South County Historical Society IOOF Historic Hall on December 8th &
9th
Holiday Festivities continue in
the Village of Arroyo Grande
A special Railroad Weekend is being held on December 8th & 9th in the Village of
Arroyo Grande. The SLO Model Railroad Association and the South County Historical Society
will sponsor this family event at the IOOF Historic Hall at 128 Bridge Street. The
activities will take place within the current exhibit which features the History of Avila
Beach and includes numerous railroad photos and display items. The events are free and
will offer running model trains, festive holiday decorations, children's storytelling and
short railroad related history lectures for the adults. This will be the perfect weekend
for children, families and train enthusiasts to visit the recently refurbished IOOF
Historic Hall.
The San Luis Obispo Model Railroad Association is showcasing several model displays
including running trains throughout the existing Avila exhibit. Specific trains to be
featured will be: a Lionel (O Scale) "Polar Express" train; an LGB Christmas
themed train; a small N Scale modular layout and several On30 models depicting the era of
the Pacific Coast Railway. Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab will also be displaying some
of their Village Railroad rolling stock that runs throughout the year in their shop in the
Village.
The Historical Society will have the building and exhibit area all dressed up for the
holidays. The weekend fun will include early afternoon storytelling for the kids by
several local dignitaries, educators and librarians. Story themes will, of course, be
surrounding trains, history and the holidays. (See list of tellers and times below) Kids
will also be able to watch the movie Polar Express and the first 300 youngsters will
receive wooden train whistles compliments of Doc Burnstein's!
Michael Mickens took this photo of the Boys and Their Toys - (From left to right) Nathan
Ellison, Hayden Nally, Quinn Nally and Cole Nally are in the Christmas spirit and are
getting a sneak peak at one of the N scale layouts that will be featured at the Railroad
Weekend. All four boys are grandsons of SLO Model Railroad Association member Chuck
Ellison.
The
older train enthusiasts will be offered lectures and treats too! Loren Nicholson will give
brief talks both days at 2:30pm on the railroad in Avila and its connection to the
historic Pacific Coast Railway. Loren is a noted historian, author and creator of the
Avila exhibit. Signed copies of his “Rails Across the Ranchos” as well as words
of wisdom will be available both days from Mr. Nicholson. As a special late afternoon
treat for the adults the Wood Winery will be offering a complimentary tasting of one of
its selected wines each day at 3:00pm. The winery’s new tasting room just opened next
to the IOOF Hall.
Saturday, December 8th (11:00am - 5:00pm)
11:30 – Storyteller Rebecca Nadel, Children's Librarian from the Arroyo Grande
Library
12:30 - Storyteller Chuck Burns, well known elementary school teacher, co-founder of
Burnardo’z Ice Cream Plant and creator of the Village Railroad which still runs daily
at Doc Burnstein’s
1:30 – Storyteller Jane Line, President of the South County Historical Society
2:30 – Author and Historian Loren Nicholson
Sunday, December 9th (1:00pm - 5:00pm)
1:30 – Storyteller Jane Line, President of the South County Historical Society
2:30 – Author and Historian Loren Nicholson
3:30 – Storyteller Lia Kalpakoff, Docent Santa Manuela Schoolhouse and retired Jr.
High School Teacher
For further information please call the Historical Society at 489-8282 on weekday
afternoons. Information is also available on the following websites:
South County Historical Society: www.southcountyhistory.org
San Luis Obispo Model Railroad Assoc.: www.slomra.org
mailcenter@southcountyhistory.org
The IOOF Hall is located at 128 Bridge Street in Arroyo Grande. These exhibits are free of charge.
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