The Layout

When the Jefferson County Historical Society began the preservation of the Edelblute Building as the home of the History Center in 2001, one room was set aside for An Old-fashioned Feller: Charles Albert Bowdish exhibit and model railroad layout built in the Bowdish-style. Many of Charles’ original building models and animations on loan from the Carnegie Museum are included on the layouit.

Today a dedicated group of volunteers operate and maintain the Bowdish Model Railroad Exhibit. They move, remove and add new models and animations each year to reconfigure the layout to show and tell the stories of Jefferson County.

The 350 square foot layout contains over 200 feet of track with 6 engines and 44 rail cars.

There are over 100 animations scattered among the 50 structures created from Jefferson Count history. Among the models are Truman's Store, Munderf Mall, Big Run Mill, Hilton Diner, Court House, Wilson Printing, Rearick Blacksmith, Pennzoil Station, Fire Station, Walston Coke ovens, Brockway Game School, White Elephant, Falls Creek Switch Tower, McCracken Hall and the Summerville Train Station.

Become a Bowdish Volunteer

If you enjoy this type of hobby, YOU too can become a volunteer with the Bowdish Miniature Railroad. The group meets monthly on the first Wednesday at 7:00 pm, provides shows and special programs that interpret the county history to school children and other special event groups. They work over the winter maintaining the layout and developing major additions to the display. Some of the volunteers also like to scratch build new buildings modeled after historic structures from across the county.

Volunteers are always welcome and the only Requirement is your interest! For more information contact the History Center (814) 849-0077