A group of residents who share a common interest of collecting and displaying model railroads have joined together to form the Masonic Homes and Elizabethtown Model Railroad Club. The purpose of the club will be to develop, build, and operate model railroads and related scenery. The club's collection will occupy the former cannery building which is located along Freemasons Drive, across from the Freemasons Building.

Renovation of this building for use by the club began on May 11, and is anticipated to be completed and ready for railroad enthusiasts to begin setting up their displays by late summer.

There is a tremendous amount of interest by residents and members of the general Elizabethtown community in participating in this new hobby and attraction at the Masonic Homes. As a result, the club received the donation of a professionally designed train display worth more than $45,000. This donation was made possible through the efforts of David Methlie, son of Mrs. Florence Methlie, an independent living resident. Methlie professionally designs model train displays and, while visiting, heard of the club's plans to start this worthwhile project. Methlie, in turn, contacted David Foster, who generously donated this display to the Masonic Homes.

Membership in the club is open to all residents of Masonic Homes, all Masons, as well as the community. The club anticipates tours of the displays to be available by Grand Master's Day on Sept. 26.

Anyone interested in more information about the Masonic Homes and Elizabethtown Model Railroad Club or who would like to contribute railroad memorabilia should contact Bro. Elwood Schmidt at (717) 361-0861 or Bro. Walter Weidner at (717) 367-5328. Written inquiries can be forwarded to: Masonic Homes and Elizabethtown Model Railroad, 3212 James Buchanan Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-3101.