Where can you find a piece of railroad history? Right here in Lomita at the Lomita Railroad Museum. This museum is devoted to the steam-engine period. It stands as a tribute to a love of trains and the determination of one woman.
Lomita, incorporated in 1964, is a city in Los Angeles County. It offers a glimpse into the past through this unique museum. The Lomita Railroad Museum began with Irene Lewis. She and her husband Martin ran “Little Engines of Lomita”. They sold kits for live steam-engine locomotives. These engines even appeared in films such as “The Greatest Show on Earth” and “Von Ryans Express”.
Irene’s passion grew. She earned a mechanical engineering degree later in life. This inspired her to build the museum. The Lomita Railroad Museum would showcase her products. Back then, it was the first of its kind west of Denver.
The museum’s design is special. It replicates the Boston & Maine’s Greenwood Station in Wakefield, Massachusetts. In 1967, Irene Lewis donated the Lomita Railroad Museum to the city. It was in honor of her late husband, Martin Lewis.
What treasures await you at the Lomita Railroad Museum? A 1901 Baldwin Locomotive stands proudly. A whaleback Southern Pacific tender is also on display. You can also see a 1910 Union Pacific caboose. A 1949 Santa Fe caboose completes the collection.
Don’t miss the full-size replica of a 1920s water tower. It was constructed in 2000. The museum also includes a small public park. Here, you’ll find a 1913 Union Pacific boxcar. There is also a 1923 Union Oil tank car.
Irene Lewis’s little engines were quite famous. They were featured on a Lawrence Welk show. The show saluted senior citizens. Mary Lou Metzger even operated the train. A song about railroading was sung.
Visiting the Lomita Railroad Museum is special. It is open Friday through Sunday. The opening times are from 10 AM to 5 PM.
As you explore the Lomita Railroad Museum, consider its impact. It stands as a reminder of the golden age of railroading. It also celebrates the vision of Irene Lewis. Her dedication turned a personal passion. It became a community treasure in Lomita. So take a moment. Step back in time. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a bygone era. The Lomita Railroad Museum is more than just a museum. It is a living piece of history.