Chugga chugga chugga. That’s the sound of history at Travel Town Museum. Right here in Griffith Park. Travel Town Museum isn’t just a museum it’s a journey through time. A journey on the rails of Southern California’s past.
Opened on December 14 1952 Travel Town Museum boasts a remarkable collection. It showcases the evolution of railroad transportation in the western United States. The focus is on the period from 1880 to the 1930s. Southern California and Los Angeles are especially highlighted.
Imagine Charley Atkins a Recreation and Parks employee. He and some rail enthusiasts had a vision. They wanted a full-size steam locomotive at Griffith Park. This was long before Travel Town Museum. They found two small locomotives destined for scrap. These locomotives had hauled stone on Santa Catalina Island. They were perfect for the plan. Atkins contacted major railroads. He asked for donations. The steam locomotive era was ending. The response was amazing.
Travel Town Museum opened in an area used as an internment camp during World War II. The locomotives were accessible day and night. Fencing was installed in 1955 to deter vandalism. A Union Pacific Railroad dining car was donated in 1954. It was used for birthday parties. Can you imagine?
The museum houses 43 full-scale railroad engines cars and other rolling stock. One star is the Heisler locomotive from 1918. It hauled timber in the Mother Lode country. It was originally built for the Hetch Hetchy Railroad. Later it was used by the Standard Lumber Company. Another fascinating piece is the Union Pacific sleeping car number 6636. Originally named Telegraph Hill it survived the 1939 City of San Francisco derailment. Twenty-four people died in that accident. This car was later renamed Rose Bowl.
Travel Town Museum also features a miniature railway. This 16-inch gauge railway takes you on a charming ride. It circles the museum grounds. This little railway originally used the Melody Ranch Special engine. It was owned by Gene Autry.
The museum has appeared in countless films and television shows. From The Monkees to Knight Rider Travel Town Museum is a star. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of trains and history.
Travel Town Museum is more than just a collection of locomotives and cars. It’s a living piece of history. It’s a celebration of ingenuity and the spirit of exploration. So take a walk through time. Explore the fascinating world of Travel Town Museum. You won’t be disappointed.