Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club, Inc.
2721 South Calhoun Road
New Berlin Wisconsin 53151-3513
The Lionel RR Club was founded January 1947.
Our club is the second oldest club in the state of Wisconsin.
See who started our Club, go to Founder's page
CLUB HISTORY TIMELINE
1947 |
Club forms and first layout begun in basement of founder's parents home. |
1949
|
Joshua Lionel Cowen grants permission for group to call itself LIONEL RAILROAD CLUB |
1958 |
Lionel Railroad Club basement layout opens to general public |
1965 |
Club begins activities with the Society of Model Engineers at MSOE |
1971 |
Particpates in first Milwaukee area "Trainfest" show sponsored by the local division of the National Model Railroad Association. |
1972 |
Organizes first shopping center based model railroad show at Southgate Mall. |
1975 |
Club move's from founder's home to rented quarters at 7933 W. Burleigh St |
1976 |
Club incorporates in Wisconsin as a "not-for-profit" educational organization. |
1977 |
Holds first "Round Robin" tour of member's home layouts. |
1982
|
Club President organizes "Association of Model Railroad Clubs" (A.M.R.C) to promote and coordinate local model train shows. |
1984
|
Club moves from Burleigh Street to larger space at 10236 West Fond du Lac Avenue. Constructs and scenics a large layout for simultaneous operation of five trains. |
1996 |
First participation in local public television's annual fund drives. |
1987 |
First participation in local museum and zoo holidayexhibits. |
1998 |
Club receives 501(C)(3) tax-exempt status for all donations. |
2002 |
Club purchases and moves to a permanent location in New Berlin, Wisconsin. |
2007
|
Layout constructuion continues in new quarters with three large layouts, including a Standard Gauge loop and Hellgate Bridge. Club celebrates its' 60th Anniversary with various events throughout the year. |
2009 |
Acquired 500+ piece antique toy train collection. |
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