THE HISTORY & FEATURES OF THE MAGIC AGE OF STEAM
 |
1912 30 HP Stanley car, 7-passenger touring. This car holds the record for the longest trip ever made in a steam car8,328 miles-made during the summer of 1972.
|
In September, 1971, the collections of the late T. Clarence
Marshall (1885-1969), including the largest collection of
steam-powered automobiles in the world, an imposing exhibit of
miniature stationary steam engines and tiny railroad locomotives,
and the 7' gauge coal-burning Auburn Valley Railroad, all
located on the grounds of his home on Route 82 at Yorklyn,
Delaware, were opened to the public as the 'Magic Age of
Steam.' It is hoped that this facility will take its place
among northern Delaware's fine tourist attractions, and in
addition to providing a history of steam during its heyday in
America, will also provide good, wholesome fun for all ages.
The exciting 'Auburn Valley,' the smallest commercial
railroad in the world, will haul happy youngsters and adults around
its 1/3 mile loop on weekends and holidays from mid-April to
mid-November. This line, which was originally constructed in 1960,
is largely double-tracked, with new features including a steel
trestle 95' long and a tunnel 90' long plus approaches. The
track passes a small lake in process of completion, passes over a
real operating turntable, past three stations and two grade
crossings, and two trains operate in different directions, passing
on double-tracked sections of the Line.
The Museum itself contains 15 Stanley Steam Cars from 1902 to
1922, one 1907 White Steamer, one 1901 Toledo, Jr. Steamer, two
Double Steamers built in the mid twenties, a huge 1917 Pierce
Arrow, a 1911 Model T Ford, and a 1915 Rauch & Lang Electric
Car which ran on 45 cells of storage batteries. One of the Stanleys
operates in place, and all the moving parts can be examined in
motion. On special occasions, one of the big Stanley Mountain
Wagons will be carrying passengers around the grounds. In addition
to the cars, there is a display of model stationary engines,
several of which are running by steam, and at least one of the
small locomotives, of which there are six in the Museum, will be
turning over on its own power as well. A simulated train ride on an
old-time steam train will be offered during the cold weather
months, when the outside activities are closed down. The Museum
itself will be open year-round.