Amtrak may not have a route through AuSable Forks, NY, but that hasn't deterred Louis Scavo and Carl Kokes from setting up their tracks. 

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of talking with Louis Scavo, the day after the pair's  "Here Come the Trains" exhibit opened at The Tahawus Lodge Center (TLC) in AuSable Forks.

Louis has always had a soft spot for trains, ever since he was a child. Because he grew up in a small apartment in Brooklyn, NY, his passion for trains had space limitations but his parents never got rid of his old Lionel train set and years later, when they gave it to him to share with his own family, it still worked. In fact, Lou says he still has two trains from that old set that work to this day.

Lou now lives in Ausable Acres in Jay and his interest in trains was revived about ten years ago when his wife Sue decided she wanted to start a garden in their yard. The two chose to make it a garden railway to satisfy both their interests. Happily, Lou learned about Carl Kokes (Lou's train engineer partner) who lives in Peru, NY and already had a garden railway underway. He shared advice and tips with the Scavos.

About a year ago, Lou asked Rebecca Kelly of the TLC if the art center would be interested in a train exhibit. The idea was floated too late for last holiday season, but was revisited this fall when the actual design planning began. Carl and Lou have been hard at work since late October, spending about 100 hours designing, building, and wiring this delightful exhibit.

I take the short drive from Louis's home to the Tahawus Lodge Center in AuSable Forks where Rebecca Kelly is working today and lets me in for a private viewing. She puts on a CD of train sounds for me and tells me about the great opening crowd who came out yesterday. There were about 100 people all told. She tells me about how a mother from Plattsburgh called up as soon as the information appeared in the newspapers. The mother said she had two boys who wanted to come down and meet the engineers. And, sure enough, they made it to the opening and stayed for a good hour. Children and adults were all enchanted with the display. And I can see why. One end of the room is filled with the circus train area—I am drawn to the ferris wheel right off. There are beautiful little buildings and figures and the exhibit fills the whole first-floor gallery.

In addition, there is a circular train set display in the front of the building right in the storefront window. It is truly an art but, according to Louis, it is a hobby that is too fragile and expensive for the young. There are more middle-age and older men involved in the model train industry today. He explains that operating the controls is a bit complicated as well and rather difficult for a child.

This is a unique holiday exhibit that everyone will enjoy. I'm planning on coming back with two young men (ages 17 and 18) who I know will be fascinated by the display. For me, the attraction is layered--it's a combination of awe at the vastness and intricacy of the train landscape as well as the nostalgia that the trains evoke. When my son was little, we had a set of trains chugging around our Christmas tree. There's something about trains and the holidays...just look at the magic  of "The Polar Express."

The Trains exhibit runs to January 5 at the Tahawus Lodge Center. Admission is free. The TLC is located next to the bridge on Main Street in AuSable Forks. The gallery is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 7 PM, and on Saturdays from 10 to 1 PM.

For more information about the TLC click through to the website.

Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, swimming, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.