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The Byron Valley Garden Railroad |
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picture of the Byron Valley Garden Railroad featured on our front page was
taken by R.W.Bro.Paul Farrell who also wrote the following editorial. Larry Carter, a member of Ashlar Lodge No.610, and his wife Gail started this project some twelve years ago after being inspired to do so after a visit to another Railroad Garden near Whitby, Ontario. Larry chose a location in his garden that had served their family as a vegetable garden but, with his children having left home, it had fallen into disuse. Larry acquired some used cement blocks to raise the layout for easier working and dirt from a recent addition to the house was used as fill. It was a small project at first but has grown steadily with annual additions culminating in its present size. The railroad is approximately 16 by 40 feet and is constantly undergoing changes and modifications. It will not likely ever be completed but Larry doubts it will grow larger as all the available space has been taken up. In addition the maintenance of the project is a full |
time
job in the summer. Gail and Larry both enjoy working in their garden, love the outdoors but also like time to relax and enjoy their railway. The railway has
been part of the London Garden Railroad Society open house tour for the
past seven years. It will also be part of the National Model railroad
Convention Tour to be held in Toronto this year. Larry and Gail also have entertained the
St. John’s Chapter, the Xella Grotto groups and several Church The Carter’s have had to turn down requests from the local media due to too much publicity and the possibility of this leading to possible acts of vandalism. They do however extend a warm welcome to
fellow |