Monday, August 12, 2024 Parkersburg, a city with a deep-rooted history in railroading, has been home to the Mid- Ohio Valley Model Railroad Club (MOVMRC) for many years. Just as the city has celebrated its historical connection with railroads, the model railroad club has become an integral part of the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival for the past 25 years. This year, the club will mark the silver anniversary of its annual Parkersburg Homecoming Open House.
The Mid-Ohio Valley Model Railroad Club, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is set to host the 25th annual Parkersburg Homecoming Open House on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.
m. The event will be held at the club’s facility, located in the rear basement of NOE Office Equipment at 610 Green St., Parkersburg.
The venue is conveniently situated within walking distance of many Homecoming events, making it accessible to the thousands of guests expected to attend. Six model train layouts will be featured during the open house, showcasing different scales, including HO, O, N, and G scales, as well as Standard Gauge. Many of these layouts will depict historical locations in Parkersburg, providing visitors with a glimpse into the city’s rich railroad history.
Admission and parking for the event are free, although donations will be accepted to help offset the costs of running the electric models. This year’s theme, “Trains That Built America,” will highlight the significant role that railroads played in industries such as logging, steel, coal, oil, and chemicals. The model trains, set in realistic environments, will offer a visual representation of how these industries shaped the nation.
Visitors to the open house will have the opportunity to engage with MOVMRC members, who will be present to discuss the hobby, provide layout construction ideas, and offer tips and guidance. The club will also conduct a prize drawing for a Lionel O gauge train set, and a new “selfie station” will be available for guests to capture memories of their visit. The club, which was founded in 1981, has seen its membership evolve over the years.
Initially, the club experienced a nomadic existence, with its members meeting at various locations before finally settling in the rear basement of NOE Office Equipment. Today, MOVMRC has 62 members, with only nine of the current members having been part of the club during its first participation in the Parkersburg Homecoming. The club’s membership has remained steady over the years, even as the demographic has shifted to include younger hobbyists.
These new members have brought fresh ideas and a modern perspective to the club, stepping into key roles such as officers, board members, and project leaders. The transition has ensured that the club continues to thrive, even as some of the older members have had to step back due to health issues. The Parkersburg Homecoming Open House, a family-oriented event, has become a staple in the local community.
Its continued success is a testament to the enduring appeal of model railroading and the strong community ties that events like these foster. For the travel industry, events such as the MOVMRC’s open house present opportunities to attract tourists interested in niche hobbies and historical experiences. By showcasing the history of railroading in Parkersburg, the event not only honors the city’s past but also contributes to the local economy by drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.
The educational component of the event, where visitors can learn about model railroading and its historical significance, adds to its appeal, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts and families alike. Following the Parkersburg Homecoming Open House, the Mid-Ohio Valley Model Railroad Club has several other events planned for the year. On October 26, the club will host its annual Fall Train Show at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, followed by the Christmas Open House on December 7 at NOE.
Additionally, the club will hold a mid-December open house in conjunction with the Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad’s annual Santa Train. As the club continues to host these events, the global impact on travelers becomes evident. Enthusiasts from different parts of the world may be drawn to Parkersburg, seeking to connect with the rich history of American railroading.
The MOVMRC’s dedication to preserving and celebrating this history ensures that Parkersburg remains a key destination for travelers interested in this unique aspect of American heritage..
