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Hamptons.com
January 9, 2018

Sixty-Something: When Toy Electric Trains Were King

T.J. Clementeby T.J. Clemente
in Community
Home Community

How does one begin to tell his lifelong love affair with electric toy trains? As a boy in the 1950’s electric trains were my generation’s Xbox. While I was growing up Lionel Trains Company was the king of electric trains. In the early single digit 1900’s, Joshua Lionel Cowen, although not the first to create electric trains was the first to market them as toys when he created his “Electric Express.” Amazingly enough, by 1906 the system we know today of pre-fabricated connecting “gauge” tracks and small electric transformers were being sold in department stores across the country.

Little boys and girls with their parents were thrilled creating train setups in their homes. By the time I was in grade school, in 1957, Lionel Trains Company was peaking as a company and there were two very popular standard train sizes. As early as I can remember (1956-1957) my brother Elia had the standard “0 Gauge” Lionel trains, with the three rail metal tracks. The setup was in our unfinished attic on a huge plywood table. My dad covered the plywood with this green grass sandpaper and my brother’s setup had homes, train stations, and churches. It even had switch tracks for two separate trains that could go on a long or short route. Touching anything on that table was not permitted and most of the time I was too short to reach it anyway. My brother had an orange colored Santa Fe diesel train along with a vintage Baltimore and Ohio steam engine. He would put a tiny tab in the smoke stack of the B&O and as it went around the track the electric light on the nose of that train engine would heat up the tab thus real smoke would come out of that smoke stack! At 6-7-8 years old that was as good as it got. Totally amazing technology! Elia would turn out the lights in the attic and then sometimes I would watch him control two trains on separate tracks simultaneously with just the two train engine lights illuminating the room. It was pure magic.

1960 was our first family Christmas in Pelham and at 9-years-old, I received a pre-fabricated HO size Lionel Train set for Christmas. That set came with already stapled in place tracks, totally landscaped board including a long mountain tunnel and various houses. There was also a “Casey Jones” engineer hat for me to wear. I did not sleep for three days until I was ordered out of the basement. The set came with two engines and about seven cars and a red caboose. I loved that set, it lasted 14 years until while I was in college my mother gave it away. She gave my older brother’s “O” set to my Aunt Gloria, who is still alive and I believe still has it in storage after her boys enjoyed it.

Before I move on I must mention that the ultimate HO train set that belonged to my cousin John Barazotto. Built by John and his dad, my uncle Johnny, their setup looked like all of Europe and John had perhaps ten different HO engines. A visit to his basement was like going to the hobby shop. He had log loading terminals and crossing guard-polls going up and down with three Lionel transformers, one just for streetlights and other electric accessories. It was a big deal.

Then times changed, in 1965 Joshua Lionel Cowen passed on and around that time Lionel Trains Company was sold. That same year at Christmas my younger brother Jim was given electric cars for Christmas. To this day he loves exotic cars and somehow has owned a few. However, he just wasn’t into electric trains the way Elia and I were. That was the trend so slowly but surely electric trains sets became rare novelty gifts and not the main event gifts at Christmas.

In 1985 I had my first own family Christmas and on an urge bought a cute Christmas antique HO train setup to put around my first daughter’s first Christmas tree. Somewhere is a photo of her at 7-weeks-old in a small car seat chair thing in front of the tree with the train visible. Amazing enough that very train lasted 14 years. It came out from storage with the Christmas tree ornaments. It was fun to watch my young teenage girls set up the train. After a divorce and life changes brought me a wonderful life on the East End of Long Island I ordered some HO trains online for my 60th birthday. I always wanted to go to Alaska so I bought, The Lionel HO size, Alaska “McKinley Explorer!” The actual “Explorer” is a famous train that cuts through the Canadian Rockies and connects Alaska and Canada with a tremendous scenic route. The train includes their famous sleeper cars. I wasn’t totally thrilled with the mess it made in the basement and after a few days I wisely packed the train set up. Today I finally pulled them out to write this story.

Today’s youth have iPhones, iPads, laptop computers and other devices. Many fortunate youngsters have Xbox type devices that collectively cost thousands. To them I suppose electric trains are prehistoric devices such are slingshots and peashooters. I am not thrilled watching these new expensive screen games where people and buildings are being blown away in constant never ending wars, but I suppose art imitates real life. Yet I will forever fondly remember the sound and the sight of an electric train coming to life when I switched the transformer to GO!

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Mother’s day Brunch at The Hampton Maid

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Mother’s Day Brunch at The Baker House 1650

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  • It’s Mother’s Day Weekend! ⁠
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From fine jewelry to live music, art, brunches & nature — here’s what’s happening:⁠
⁠
💎 Jen Proudman Jewelry Pop-Up⁠
🗓️ Friday, May 9 | 2–5PM⁠
📍 Le Closet, 9 Windmill Lane, Southampton⁠
✨ Shop stunning gem-carved fine jewelry while browsing luxury consignment.⁠
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🎬 Gary Cooper Festival⁠
🗓️ Fri, May 9 – Sun, May 11⁠
📍 Southampton Playhouse, 43 Hill St⁠
🌟 A weekend honoring a Hollywood icon with screenings and celebrations.⁠
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🖼️ 17 Women Art Exhibition⁠
🗓️ Sat, May 10 – Sun, May 11 | 11AM–4PM⁠
📍 Ashawagh Hall, East Hampton⁠
🎨 Featuring painting, sculpture & photography by 17 female artists.⁠
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🏛️ Southampton History Museum Spring Fair⁠
🗓️ Saturday, May 10 | 11AM–4PM⁠
📍 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton⁠
🎶 Live 19th-century music, local legends, crafts, games & more!⁠
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🍳 Artists’ Table Brunch @ Watermill Center⁠
🗓️ Saturday, May 10 | 12–2PM⁠
📍 Watermill Center⁠
🥗 Chef-made meal & artist presentations in an intimate setting.⁠
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🌹 LongHouse Talks: Roses in the Garden⁠
🗓️ Saturday, May 10 | 2–4PM⁠
📍 LongHouse Reserve, East Hampton⁠
📚 Photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo shares stories & images from her new book.⁠
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🎸 The Barnstorm Live @ The Clubhouse⁠
🗓️ Saturday, May 10 | 9PM⁠
📍 174 Daniels Hole Rd, East Hampton⁠
🎤 NYC’s favorite party rock band hits the Hamptons!⁠
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🗿 Vadis Turner’s “Venus Rising”⁠
🗓️ Saturday, May 10 | 4–5PM⁠
📍 LongHouse Reserve⁠
🔥 Bold new outdoor sculpture debut + Artist Walk & Talk.⁠
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🌊 Paddle Diva’s Mother’s Day Paddle & Brunch⁠
🗓️ Sunday, May 11 | 11AM⁠
📍 Vandevere Marina, East Hampton⁠
🛶 Paddle, then brunch with Fresno. Get a free MOM-osa!⁠
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🍽️ Mother’s Day Dining Guide⁠
🗓️ Sunday, May 11⁠
🎁 Treat mom to a perfect brunch, lunch or dinner.⁠
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🎨 ArtSea Create & Sip: Horseshoe Crab Molt⁠
🗓️ Tuesday, May 13 | 6–8PM⁠
📍 Tiana Bayside, Hampton Bays⁠
🖌️ Paint + sip night celebrating horseshoe crabs. No experience needed!⁠
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📍 Check out more events at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
#hamptonsevents #eastendhappenings #mothersdayweekend #artinthehamptons #livemusic #southamptonny #easthampton #hamptonslife⁠
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  • 7 Ashwood Court, Southampton, NY 11968⁠
Saunders Exclusive: $6,200,000⁠
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This magnificent new construction offers a blend of modern luxury and timeless sophistication. Spanning 7,546 +/- sq. ft. on a pristine 0.92-acre lot, this two-story traditional-style residence boasts 7 bedrooms, 7 full baths, and 1 half bath.⁠
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Inside, find an open kitchen adorned with marble countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances, perfect for the culinary enthusiast. The home features a spacious entry foyer, a living room, dining room, family room, den/office, and a study. Enjoy the comfort of two primary bedrooms, each with its own freestanding soaking tub, located on the first and second floors, respectively.⁠
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  • Steeped in tradition, history, and familiarity, a refurbished Sagaponack General Store has reopened its doors. Though still on the same footprint, the renovated establishment feels larger and more spacious, with an open layout and abundant natural light that adds warmth and charm. It now shares space with the newly restored historic Post Office at 542 Sagg Main Street in Sagaponack, located between Sagaponack Road and Hedges Lane, just south of the Sagaponack Common School.⁠
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The original 1878 building was meticulously moved 15 feet back from Sagg Main Street and now features a welcoming new porch. The Post Office, located there as well, has its own handicapped-accessible entrance. While construction is complete, the Post Office has not yet reopened to the public. ⁠
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Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
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#sagaponackgeneralstore #local #community #sagaponack #⁠
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  • Check out the top Hamptons events this weekend!⁠
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🎭 Coppélia at Guild Hall⁠
📅 May 2–4⁠
🕖 Fri & Sat @ 7PM | Sun @ 12PM & 5PM⁠
📍 Guild Hall, East Hampton⁠
✨ Hampton Ballet Theatre School’s spring ballet!⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🎙️ Elvis Meets Sinatra @ WHBPAC⁠
📅 Sat, May 3 | 🕗 8PM⁠
📍 Westhampton Beach PAC⁠
🎶 Top tribute acts for Elvis & Sinatra⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
📚 Gingy’s Diaries @ Southampton Arts Center⁠
📅 May 2–4⁠
🕑 2PM & 7PM⁠
🎭 A witty, moving new show by Ilene Beckerman⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🌸 Spring Market @ Share the Harvest Farm⁠
📅 Sat, May 3 | 🕙 10AM–12PM⁠
📍 St. Luke’s Church, East Hampton⁠
🎶 Live music, fresh food, flowers & gifts⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🏇 Kentucky Derby Party⁠
📅 Sat, May 3 | 🕓 4PM–7PM⁠
📍 Fauna, Westhampton Beach⁠
🍹 Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres & hat contest!⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🌼 Mother’s Day Flower Arranging Class⁠
📅 Sun, May 4 | 🕒 3PM–5PM⁠
📍 The Hampton Maid, Hampton Bays⁠
💐 Create a bouquet with Andrews Family Farm⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🧘‍♀️ The Rise Wellness Retreat⁠
📅 Sun, May 4 | 🕘 9AM or 3PM⁠
📍 East Hampton Indoor Tennis Club⁠
💪 Yoga, Padel, painting & shopping powered by Lululemon⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
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🏃 May Day 5K – East Hampton⁠
📅 Sun, May 4 | 🕘 9AM⁠
📍 101 Ocean Ave, East Hampton⁠
💖 Run for Family Service League⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🪑 Almond Zigmund: Wading Room Exhibition⁠
📅 Opens Sun, May 4 | 🕛 12PM–5PM⁠
📍 Guild Hall, East Hampton⁠
🎨 A fusion of art, furniture & collaboration⁠
📸 Photo Credit: Francine  Fleischer
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
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🍽️ Long Island Restaurant Week⁠
📅 May 2–4⁠
📍 Various Restaurants⁠
🍷 Enjoy 3-course prix fixe meals across LI⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
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⛳ CMEE Spring Golf Outing @ The Bridge⁠
📅 Wed, May 7 | 🕜 1:30PM–6PM⁠
📍 Bridgehampton⁠
🥂 Golf, brunch, cocktails & auction⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
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  • 98 Bay Street, Sag Harbor, 11963⁠
Saunders Exclusive: $8,995,000⁠
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Discover an unparalleled offering in the heart of historic Sag Harbor Village. Situated on an idyllic 0.63-acre corner lot, this meticulously restored Victorian delivers the ultimate Hamptons lifestyle: a luxuriously appointed main residence, a lofted studio, and resort-like grounds with a heated gunite pool. Just moments from Sag Harbor
  • To launch the celebrations for its 50th edition, the Hampton Classic Horse Show has unveiled its 2025 poster, “Beneath the Painted Sky,” featuring artwork by Michael “Mickey” Paraskevas of Southampton, NY. Paraskevas has previously designed the Hampton Classic poster four times (1987, 1992, 1998 and 2008).⁠
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Celebrating 50 years of world-class equestrian competition, the Hampton Classic returns to Bridgehampton, NY, August 24-31, featuring FEI CSI5* and CSI2* show jumping and USEF Premier hunter competitions with more than $1 million in prize money.⁠
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📸: Poster Courtesy of the Hamptons Classic⁠
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Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
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