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DATE: July 3, 2007
FROM: TIME - The Improved Milton Experience
CONTACT: George Venios 419-4223 or 742-7377
MILTON HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MODEL TRAIN MUSEUM
➢ The Rev. Dr. A. Robert Walker, Lewisburg, recently donated his Model Train layout of Milton to TIME. Included are “O”Gauge buildings, scenery, platforms, track and trains depicting the 50’ 60’s era of Milton landmarks.
➢ The Milton Moose Family Center is donating the use of the third floor of its facility at 139 S. Front St., Milton, to TIME to relocate and expand Walker’s Model Trains.
➢ TIME will launch a Capital Campaign in the fall of 2007 to substantially expand the Model Train layout and to remodel the Moose facility to create the “Milton Historic Downtown Model Train Museum.”
The project will be completed in three phases:
Phase I -The Model Train layout and facility will be “partially” ready for display during the Christmas season of this year.
Phase II -The Model Train layout will be “fully” completed for the 2008 Christmas season.
Phase III - Plans for a third phase in 2009 will include the completion of facility improvements to the museum including the installation of an elevator to service all floors of the building. 2009 will mark the 100th Anniversary of the Milton Moose Lodge 171, which is considered a key landmark of downtown Milton.
Committee:
George Venios, TIME Board member, is overseeing the project.
Anthony Venios is the layout designer.
Other members of a recently formed committee to relocate the Model Trains, build and install the new layout are: John Bower, Melvin Crist, Steve Doreski, Nicholas Doresky, Jeff Gaugler, Ken Gaugler, Linwood Hill, Ray Leeser, Tony Snyder, and the Rev. Walker.
“TIME is grateful for the generosity of the Rev. Walker and the Milton Moose to create the Milton Historic Downtown Model Train Museum”
PRESS RELEASE 2, 7/18/07
FROM: George Venios , TIME President
547-6671 x2210 or evenings 742-7377
DATE: July, 18 2007
Ray Leeser to Serve as Fundraising Chairman
for the Milton Model Train Museum – Leeser’s Shoe Store presents $2,500 Lead Pacesetting Gift
(Note that “Historic Downtown” was dropped from the title)
Ray Leeser, a life-long resident of Milton and best known through Leeser’s Shoe Store along side his daughter, Jodi Doresky, has accepted to serve as Fundraising Chairman for the new Milton Model Train Museum project.
Also, Leeser’s Shoe Store, located on Broadway, Milton, has presented a $2,500 lead gift to T.I.M.E., The Improved Milton Experience, which is conducting the campaign with a goal of $25,000 to develop the museum. It will be located on the third floor of the Milton Moose Family Center, Front St. The Moose has generously donated the facility.
The creation of the model train museum stems from the recent generous donation of the Rev. Robert Walker’s personal collection and layout.
Ray and Jodi had this to say:
We have had O-Gauge train layouts in Leeser’ Shoe Store window for 20 years. The children of the community remember it and look forward to seeing it each year.
We are impressed with all the work TIME has done to improve the community.
Our family enjoys model trains and visit train layouts in Shamokin, Williamsport, and Strasburg. Jodi’s eight-year-old son, Nick, is especially interested. His great grandfathers retired from Reading Railroad.
Ray was a foreman at ACF and repaired train cars at Shippers Car Line. Jodi’s husband, Steve, worked at Shippers as well.
The Milton Model Train Museum has the potential for growth. It could draw collectors statewide to Milton. It will also make a terrific Sunday afternoon for grandparents and grandchildren.
The Leeser family has been in business in Milton since 1940 and it’s exciting to have a premier O gauge layout downtown.
With Pennsylvania Railroad and a Reading Railroad stations in Milton, railroading was fundamental to the early success of our town and this museum will acknowledge that.
Ray’s comments
This fundraising campaign is for anyone with a heart. They can donate knowing it will put a smile on the face of all ages.
Your donation would allow us to continue the work of the Rev. Robert Walker.
Jodi’s comments
My son, Nick, has always enjoyed railroading. This group is made up of many members including the Rev. Walker, Linwood Hill, and Mel Crist who so kindly & generously have shared their collections and knowledge of model railroading with Nick throughout the years. This is a healthy hobby he can continue into adulthood.
George Venios comments
TIME and the Milton Moose Family Center are grateful for the Leeser family’s generosity and interest. We are especially excited that Mr. Leeser has taken on the challenge to be campaign chairman. He has many contacts throughout the region as a well-respected and successful businessman. Ray is one of Milton’s most thoughtful and caring citizens. I know that we will reach or exceed our fundraising goal under his leadership.
Donations may be forwarded to TIME, P.O. Box 534, Milton, PA.
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This page updated 2/14/2008 by James R. Ingram
This page updated 2/14/2008 by James R. Ingram
