Many of us remember the beloved wooden train that chugged into the Youth department in the early 1980's. It sat in front of the book shelves, providing a cozy reading nook for our little patrons. But who designed and built the Cromaine train, and how did it even end up in the Youth Department on the second floor? Take a nostalgic dive back in time with us as we explore the Cromaine train and how it came to be!
In 1979, Cromaine Library began work on a building expansion that included a beautiful new Youth Services section on the second floor. Library staff and volunteers alike joined in the construction and assembly of the new room. There were some complications with the library addition, like Rachel the library cat temporarily going missing and multiple extensions on the project. But by the spring of 1980, construction was coming to a close and the new addition was almost ready to open to the public.
An especially delightful aspect of the Youth Services section was a huge, wooden train that sat in the middle of the room. Three and a half feet wide and twelve feet long, the train could seat up to six children and was painted with the Cromaine colors of blue and yellow. Intended as a fun place for children to read and enjoy the new library addition, the train added a truly magical component to the new Youth Department. The Hartland Area Jaycees had spent a year constructing the train, complete with wheels, an engine, and an open passenger door. The Jaycees' generous creation was also featured in the Memorial Day parade that year, and won second place in the float competition!
After the train was walked in the Memorial Day Parade, it was loaded onto a trailer and brought to the library to be installed in September of 1980. This was no easy task, considering the size and weight of the train. As a result, the train was carried through the library to the second floor piece by piece, and reassembled in the Youth Department. Please enjoy these wholesome and chaotic photos of the train chugging up the new steps to the second floor!
As soon as it was installed, the Cromaine train was well-loved by our little patrons-- they were often seen in the train reading, playing, and enjoying the new addition to the library building. It became a major attraction of the youth department! In fact, there was so much appreciation for the train that in 1990, the library held a tenth birthday party for the Cromaine train. The celebration honored the new addition of the Library as well, and volunteers spent time preparing for the party and leading activities. The train was decorated for the occasion and the library was strung with banners and balloons: the train party featured stories, a train-themed cake, and a special craft to take home. Children aged from Kindergarten through third grade enjoyed the festivities.
Although we no longer have the giant train in our youth department, a mini version of the train lives on in the train table on the second floor. Little ones can enjoy reassembling the tracks and engaging with the tiny trains. Were you one of the little patrons who loved reading inside the Cromaine train in the 80's and 90's? Share your Cromaine memories with us in the comments, and we'll see you at the Memorial Day Parade!