The planning and preparation commenced immediately after Thanksgiving and construction began as soon as the family Christmas tree was in place and fully decorated. The early displays featured country village, a church and a crèche, which were placed under the spreading boughs of pine. Later, lakes, hills, bridges and miniature model railroads were added to such displays and the Christmas Garden came to life.
Like many of the time-honored Holiday traditions, the concept of a Christmas Garden originated in Germany with good reason. In the mid-1800s, German craftsmen took the art of building miniatures to an unheard-of level of detail and quality in both fine arts and toy manufacturing. The pioneering US lagged behind in the toy market so most of the quality toys sold in the US prior to 1900 were imported from Germany and to a lesser extent, England.
Those imported miniatures – structures that featured beautifully lithographed metal stampings with candles within for lighting, street lights illuminated by carbide, scenic trees, landscaping and live-steam trainsets powered by alcohol burners – were wildly embraced in the US, if only by the wealthiest. Given the combustible nature of those toys, one wonders if children of that era were more mature and responsible or if parents were inordinately trusting with letting all that “playing with fire” go on in the parlor.
The Ives Manufacturing Company of Bridgeport CN was one of the earliest toy manufactures in the US and gradually they expanded their line to include trains, structures, boats, vehicles and scenery. Soon others followed including Lionel and American Flyer. Lionel took an early lead with their extensive line of electric trains and the ever-expanding line of accessories that included stations, lamp posts, houses, tunnels and bridges. Flyer and the venerable Ives firm lagged behind.
Aside from the German influence in Baltimore -birthplace of MTS – the local tradition of building a Christmas Garden went beyond holiday practice to almost a cult-like level, unlike any other city in the US. That was due in part to the presence of the Voltamp Manufacturing Company in the heart of Baltimore, one of the earliest producers of electric trains. Voltamp trains were mainly lettered for the hometown railroad, the Baltimore & Ohio. Beyond Baltimore, the art and joy of the Christmas Garden was none-the-less solidly established throughout the Nation.
Christmas Gardens became a bonding experience between generations since the construction of the platform and structures and scenic elements of the display were often crafted by family members. That avenue of creativity manifested itself in many impressive ways since the amateur builders often tried to replicate local landmarks, neighborhood churches and business or went on to design their own creations. Popular local subjects for family modelers were city hall, large cathedrals and local churches, major railroad stations and harbor scenes. Tall, snow capped mountains and deep forests of miniature pine trees were almost a requirement.
Competition between members of the family and neighborhood households could be intense and each year became another opportunity to build a larger and more impressive display. Some brave and creative builders drilled small holes in hardwood floors to extend copper water lines to tap cold water pipes in the basement to create water falls above on their displays. Constantly changing structures or scenic vistas was basic engagement and adding more railroad lines and action accessories became almost mandatory.
Merchants and local governments realized the Christmas Garden concept had selling power and PR value and installed them in department stores and public lobbies. They even found their way into banks, office building lobbies, station waiting rooms and firehouses. They are in malls — and remain a popular Holiday attraction. Serious model railroaders began to permanently establish such displays year around in spare rooms, attics and basements and so the process to add and improve was continual.
Some families have continued that tradition some have not. But the magic of a miniature scene under the tree can be a restful escape and a great way to tap your creative spirit and find peace and joy with family and friends this Holiday Season. For all those reasons, and that long history, we are starting this Holiday Season with a sale on items that will make your experience with your own Christmas Garden, or permanent railroad, more complete!
Frank Wrabel
modeltrainstuff.com