The Griffith Historical Society's 25 annual Railroad Fair will break with the tradition of celebrating only railroading at this year's fair. Its theme this year is "Saluting Old-time Transportation."
As important as the railroads have been and continue to be in Griffith's development since 1850, other modes of transportation have played an increasing part in the growth of the town from a population of 60 to the present 17,000. Automobiles, bicycles, airplanes and, in the early years, horsedrawn vehicles all helped the town grow and prosper. Visitors at the Griffith Historical Society's museum often notice airplanes flying over trains in the photos. And motorists and bicyclists are included in photos of traffic waiting to cross the tracks after the trains.
Vendors of other transportation items and antiques are invited to reserve space. Owners of antique autos are welcome to display cars. Vendor information is available at (219) 923-4110.
Ed Budny will showcase his restored 1931 Model "A" Ford, complete with rumble seat as a salute to the 100th anniversary of Henry Ford's Model T. Griffith's first Ford Agency was located in Louis Wirth's barn in 1920 at his farm, east of Broad Street and north of Ridge Road. And Dale Schwer will challenge anyone to pedal his "bicycle built for two."
Railroad fans will still find plenty to interest them by touring the Depot Museum and the cabooses and railcar and climbing the steep stairs to the interlocking tower. Youngsters and adults can pretend to be an engineer while riding the trackless train each day. A shuttle bus provides transportation between the fair and the Boy Scout arts and craft show in Central Park, 600 N. Broad the same day. In addition to the vendors, exhibits and a raffle, the fair will feature its well known "Hobo Stew" cooked over an open fire.
A highlight of the Griffith Historical Society's 25th anniversary is the establishment of an historical foundation to insure the future of the Historical Park, the Depot and the Tower. These buildings are on the National and State Register of Historic Places.
The Historical Society and friends have already established a five thousand dollar beginning balance. This amount and future donations have been and will be deposited in the Griffith Savings Bank, 510 North Broad Street for investment. Only the interest will be used to fund projects that are not in the regular operating budget. Some of these additional projects might include a picnic shelter, a storage building, and a car-zebo ( a gazebo built on a railroad flat car base).
