From the Historical Society
A project at the Barton County Historical Society is underway to restore the beloved G12 miniature train donated to the society in 2009 by Edwin and Sharon Mauler and Jerry and Linda Marmie. The miniature train holds a great deal of nostalgia for a generation or more of area families who visited Christmas Fantasy Village each year.
The train has been stored for several years, and a project to get it operational again is in process by a group of historical society volunteers. The train started its life on the Anchor D Ranch at Belvidere, Kan., being manufactured in 1949. It was sold by the owner of the ranch to Bob and Carol Martin in 1989 and it came to live at their country home south of Great Bend, known as Christmas Fantasy Village. It was here that many a wide-eyed child exclaimed, “Now I know where Santa really lives!”
A new track layout and enclosure for the train is being planned in the space south of the Dodge House, the little rock house nearest 281 Highway. The plan is to have the train running by the holiday season. A fundraising kickoff event will be held June 30, at 5:30 p.m., at the museum and village, 85 S. Hwy. 281, Great Bend. Cost estimates have the cost of the restoration and the new track bed and storage enclosure at $49,900. Some funds have already been secured to start the project, and Sharon Mauler and Jerry and Linda Marmie have committed to match donations up to $10,000.
Donations may be made at the fundraising event, mailed to P.O. Box 1091, Great Bend, KS 67530, or hand delivered to the historical society during business hours. Please note “Little Train Project” in the memo of the check.
The Barton County Historical Society endeavors to create an experience not unlike Christmas Fantasy Village in the coming years, those who wish to help may inquire at the historical society as to how they may volunteer.
The Barton County Historical Society is located at 85 S. Hwy. 281, Great Bend, just south of the Arkansas River bridge. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m. through the summer.