Richard L. Puhr says:

I have been a train enthusiast for 30 years! Three years ago I was traveling and found myself in Foley, AL, a small, sleepy town located approximately 6 miles from the Gulf, just west of Pensacola, FL. In the center of town is a small train station building that had been operational until recently when the trains stopped running through the town. Inside, I found the most elaborate train display that I’ve ever witnessed. In a building approximately 50′ x 30′, there are at least 40 miniature trains running side by side and at odd angles, through and around authentic miniature countryside landscaping and elaborate, miniature buildings, constructed to create a realistic setting for the trains. Around the main train display there are train-related mementos and paraphernalia on display occupying hundreds of SF of walls, commemorating the many years that the train hauled cotton, soybean, corn, winter wheat and peanuts from the town to various markets around the country. Admission is free, and there are times throughout the day when the display is open to the public and no attendant is on duty! A Ball canning jar sits unguarded by the rear door for those who wish to leave a donation, next to a “Thanks for Visiting” sign. I look forward to visiting Kirkwood’s commemoration and climbing aboard the real trains from our past.