HESSTON, IN: Last year it wasn't clear if any of the trains from the Kiddieland Amusement Park in suburban Melrose Park would ever run in the Chicago area again.  Because of the generosity of the train's new owner, the Kiddieland train WILL run this Memorial Day weekend.   The amusement park's three antique trains and over a mile of track were purchased by William McEnery of Frankfort, Illinois, founder and president of Gas City (a chain of gasoline stations).  The  Hesston Steam Museum in Indiana has received Kiddieland's 49 year old steam train (on loan from McEnery) and will be operating it for the museum's opening weekend May 29-31. Chicago-area residents will be able to ride the distinctive "Kiddieland Limited Train" again this summer - just a quick car-ride away in nearby Hesston, Ind.

The loan arrangement was suggested by Chicago-area resident and Hesston volunteer, Jim O'Connor. O'Connor, now 54, grew up in Oak Park and recalls the Kiddieland experience.  "I'm very excited to be able to run the Kiddieland Train that I loved so much as a kid. It's a dream come true for me," O'Connor said.
 

In early March, the Steam Museum received the former Kiddieland Limited steam locomotive on loan. Since then, volunteers at this unique outdoor historical museum (near Michigan City, Ind.) have restored the engine. Officials say it will be ready to run when Hesston opens for its 53^rd operating season on May 29, 2010.

About the train: Wagner and Sons Miniature Train Co., Plainfield, Ill., built the Kiddieland Limited bullet nose train in 1950. Although adults consider the train a "kiddie" ride, it operates just like a full-sized locomotive. An engineer shovels coal into a firebox to heat water, generate steam, and create power. After operating for 81 years in Melrose Park, Kiddieland closed in 2009 and sold its vintage rides. 

About Hesston: The Hesston Steam Museum will be offering rides on this vintage train on a one-mile railway line through scenic property. Trains depart from a replica 1900s era depot alongside full-size narrow gauge steam trains. The Hesston Steam Museum has three sizes of real steam locomotives - including a former Brookfield Zoo train (the famous "Blue Goose") to carry visitors on a spectacular two-and-a-half-mile journey through deep woods, past lakes and farm fields. The Museum also features 1/4-scale and 1/8-scale steam railroads. Both meander over bridges and through an enchanting wooded landscape.

The "all volunteer" Hesston Steam Museum is filled with other steam-powered machinery including a working sawmill, railroad steam crane, steam-powered electric power plant, steam traction engines, and more. The museum's gift shop features toys, books, videos, hats, and more for kids of all ages. Food is available at the museum grounds or visitors may bring a picnic. The museum is open weekends throughout the summer. For more information visit www.hesston.org.
 

NEED ART? VISIT MEDIA PAGE TO DOWNLOAD IMAGES!
 

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT TED RITA <ted.rita@hesston.org>