The Irvin Goodon Wildlife Museum in Boissevain is a hot spot to stop this summer. The museum features the many taxidermy mounts of wildlife from across Manitoba.
However, the museum also features the model train display of former Boissevain resident Earl Patterson.
Years ago, Boissevain residents and model train collectors, Earl Patterson, Jake Rempel and Stan Peck each displayed their own unique model railway collections in a building just west of the wildlife museum. When that building saw severe water damage the train displays needed to be moved.
Jake Rempel sold his set and unfortunately, Stan Peck’s display didn't fair too well with the move. However, Earl Patterson’s display was built to be dismantled for future exhibitions and so was easily moved.
Patterson gave his train set to the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton upon his passing – and Stan Peck was asked to bring the train set to its former glory.
Thanks to Stan and a handful of volunteers, the model train display is fully restored at the Boissevain wildlife museum. What's unique about Patterson's train display is that every piece is handmade. Even the stone houses and stone bridge is made using small stones he picked off the ground himself.
He shares some of the happy little surprises that came along the way, from indoor and outdoor lights that shine throughout the display, to hidden tunnels underneath.
Please listen to Stan Peck below share his story!