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Weekly News October 31, 2005Description
"From goulies and ghosties, long-leggedy beasties, and things that go 'bump' in the night, may the Lord deliver us!" Hallowe'en it is, with or without the apostrophe. The front steeples at Auburn Heights were supposed to be haunted. From my limited experience, however, I never found them that way. Actually, both were quite nice places under which to be. The one on the northeast corner has a comfortable round porch on the third floor. During World War II when the 3rd floor became a temporary apartment, the five bays in this porch were screened in, and it was a most pleasant summer eating place. It was somewhat awkward reaching this porch, however, as it did not connect with the other living areas; instead, it was entered from a very narrow front room, which had another ornamental porch (in the front of the house) and two closets. In 1988, partitions were changed and both these porches are now entered from a large but odd-shaped bedroom. The other porch, on the second floor under the north steeple, is entered from the north bedroom, and is an especially pleasant place to sit and overlook the pond, its bridge, and its fountain. Both above and below this porch is a spiral stairway, sort of an interesting thing, built in 1988 also. The stairway provides a fire escape route from both the 2nd and 3rd floors. As mentioned in an earlier edition, these modifications did not change the appearance of the front of Auburn Heights.
Indeed, the Halloween theme and all the work that went into it, especially from our committee of Jerry Novak, Emil Christofano and Rose Ann Hoover, paid off for us yesterday, October 30, as we entertained about 460 happy people at our final "Steamin' Sunday" of 2005. Our thanks go not only to the chairs for this event, but to the 41 volunteers who helped make it a success yesterday. Our counts are somewhat approximate, but about 160 took the house tour, and the $18 combination ticket was very popular. The gift shop took in just under $300. There were no derailments or mechanical failures. I wish I could single out everyone who did yeoman service, but you know who you are, and we offer you our profound thanks. Bill Rule and his mother were among the 41 volunteers, and we were delighted that Bill was able to come, and we thank his mother not only for bringing him, but for helping at the front door with the house tour. We also thank Arlie Lane and the Lawlors for bringing Arlie's nearly-completed carousel horse, the British Car Club for displaying 12 of their beautiful cars in the front yard, and Debbie Mitchell, whose painted pumpkins of Auburn Heights and 2 Stanley cars were a big hit. To cap off a wonderful day, Emil and Doris Christofano entertained the workers at a delicious supper at their home immediately following the event.
Last week, much of the effort at our work sessions was in preparation for our "Steamin' Sunday", but in addition, the rims from the 735 were painted by Dale Simpkins, the remaining insulated splice bars were drilled by Ted Simpkins and Rose Ann Hoover, and several tried again to mount the clincher tire on the Model H-5. Butch Cannard and his mother braved a cold day to take the Model 76 to the Newtown Square Historical Society for their dedication on Saturday, 10/29, which was much appreciated by the principals there. This week, two committee meetings are taking place. Anne Cleary is hosting the Events Committee at her home Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 7:30, and Joe Mosteller has called a meeting of the Board's Finance Committee for Thursday, Nov. 3, at 3:30 P.M. Brent Campbell, one of the Advisors to F.A.H.P., and his wife Martha plan to be with us on Thursday evening, and Brent will attend our work session, as will Bill Rule. The locomotives and cars used on 10/30 can be cleaned up, and there are several other ongoing projects which will continue in the shop and the museum. We understand from Mark Hopkins that the Lionel locomotives on the operating standard-gauge layout need some repair before our November 19 opening.
We are happy to welcome new members the Parker-Miller family of the Auburn Heights apartment, and Louis Mandich of Kennett Square, which bring our total membership to 74 (family memberships are counted as one member). Remember our next and last public event for 2005 will be on Saturday evening, November 19, from 6:30 to 9:00 P.M. when we invite our guests to see Auburn Heights by Lantern Light. The house will not be open and the Mountain Wagon and the Rauch & Lang will not run, but in addition to the train rides and the Museum, we will be giving historical walking tours around the grounds by lantern light, using Bill Schwoebel's many types of kerosene lanterns. It should be lots of fun. Help us promote it! Many thanks to all. Tom
