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National Train Day celebrated in Lewes

This working model train was set up by the Delmarva Model Railroad Club out of Delmar for the occasion. TED PFIRRMANN PHOTOS
Ted Pfirrmann
May 18, 2025

The Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association held its third annual National Train Day Celebration May 10, at the Lewes Public Library on Adams Avenue. This annual celebration commemorates the placement of the golden railroad spike in Promontory, Utah, which marked the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States.

The day included lectures given by Dr. Phillip Glick and David McDonald, a model train exhibit by the Delmarva Model Railroad Club, and the driving of a golden railroad spike at the Lewes Junction exhibit by Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes.

Gerry Kaplan, a founding member of the Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association, told the crowd about a rare locomotive that was donated by the Wilmington and Western Railroad. This locomotive, one of only two in existence worldwide, is currently being renovated and is tentatively scheduled to arrive in Lewes by early September this year.

Dr. Phillip Glick speaks about how the transcontinental railroad changed the United States.
David McDonald speaks of how trains helped shape Rehoboth Beach into today’s bustling resort.
The coal tender and caboose are already part of the Lewes Junction exhibit in Lewes. Coming soon is a rare locomotive.
Gerry Kaplan talks about the locomotive that the Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association has obtained and is getting restored.
Amy Marasco, Lewes mayor-elect, shatters a bottle of champagne on the coal tender to christen it.
David Ludlow displays the golden railroad spike before it is driven into the track.
Sen. Russ Huxtable is given the honor of driving the railroad spike into place.
Daniel Myers, age 11, takes a whack at the railroad spike.
Nichole Sternemann wields the hammer like a pro.
The golden railroad spike rests in its new home. Three golden spikes are now placed along the section of track.
On hand for the National Train Day celebration are (l-r) David Ludlow, Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association board member; Amy Marasco, Lewes mayor-elect; Sen. Russ Huxtable; and Randy Voith, Lewes Junction Railroad & Bridge Association president.

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