When George Groff, of Strasburg, Pennsylvania, returned home from World War II, he and his wife Florence bought their first train set for $12.50, to delight their two year old son Gary at Christmas. Like most model train layouts, the Groff's collection of trains and scenic items grew along with their family. During the 1950's, the Groff family has a very elaborate home train layout in their spacious basement, opening it up for the townspeople and the local elementary school during the Christmas holidays.

In 1961, George and Florence needed the extra funds college expenses would add to their family budget. The trains, scenery, buildings and animated figures that George had built became the basis for a part-time business to help defray the added financial burden...and thus, the Choo Choo Barn was born on Thanksgiving Day, 1961!

and for a taste of new york, don't forget the Tag Along Project, my moblog at Flickr.