Community Corner

Homewood Rail Days Generates Steam

Folks from all over came to Homewood this weekend in celebration of the Eighth Annual Rail Days.

Gray skies and persistent rain were not enough to dampen people's high spirits at Homewood’s Eighth Annual Rail Days.

Train enthusiasts from all over flocked to Homewood to attend the two-day event which featured, among other things, a six-hour train symposium at the Homewood Library, train artwork, a raffle and, of course, plenty of model trains. The event even included the popular “World’s Largest Mobile Model Railroad.”

Keith Lanchel, a train enthusiast since the 1960s, came down from Skokie to attend the event for the first time.

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“I think this is terrific, just splendid,” Lanchel said with a smile.

Lanchel spoke highly of both the model railroading hobby and the community of Homewood.

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“It’s addictive in a very positive way,” Lanchel said. “These are fine exhibits and fine people.”

Marcus Wilkens of Chicago brought along his ecstatic grandson, Jeremiah Matthews, for his third visit to Rail Days. He spent his childhood living by Chicago rail yards and says he has always had a personal connection with trains.

“I came to Chicago in the summer of ’53 on the Illinois Central,” Wilkens said. “I almost flunked first grade because every time a train would go by, I’d sit there and stare at it.”

Wilkens said the entire exhibition was very touching to him.

“This is a great boon to this community,” Wilkens said.

David and Janice Wilma of Crown Point Indiana, along with their “American Flyer” model railroad display, participated in Rail Days for the first time this year. They started their hobby of model railroading in 1997.

“I must have been a bad kid (because) I never got a model train when I was younger,” David Wilma said. “I’ve got one now and I’m making up for it.”

Janice Wilma says they participate in events like this to see the smiles on childrens’ faces.

There is another perk, however, according to Wilma.

“You get these old, grumpy men in here and they push a button and their face lights up,” Janice Wilma said. “It brings out the kid in you.”

The Wilma’s said they plan on coming back to Rail Days next year.

“It’s a great way to meet people and promote the hobby.”

Despite the overwhelmingly positive reaction from the many outsiders, Rail Days has a special place in the hearts of locals such as Homewood resident and Rail Days veteran, Ben Hillis.

This year, Hillis is sharing the experiene with his two sons: five-year-old Nathan and three-year-old Matthew.

Nathan Hillis was able to sum up the communal excitement and joy that seemed to permeate all who attended.

“I like everything!” Nathan Hillis exclaimed.


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