As a child, my buddies and I would sit by the railroad tracks in our hometown and watch in awe as the trains passed by. By the 1970s, train usage had changed drastically, but that steam engine and those rusty railcars still made for an amazing sight.
That fascination with trains continued when my brother let me play with his toy train set that was set up on a sheet of plywood and a couple of sawhorses in our basement. To my knowledge, it was never displayed around the Christmas tree like so many others were. I am guessing Mom wouldn’t allow it, as she didn’t want us kids playing in the living room. That was OK with us, as we were just fine having our own space in the basement. |
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As an adult, I continued to have a passion for toy train sets, although I didn’t have one of my own. My friend Bill still had his from his youth, and he set it up around their family Christmas tree each year. He was in his 50s when he told me about it and invited me over to play. He loved that train set. I did, too.
Bill moved away, and I wanted a train set of my own. |
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My kids caught wind of this and eventually bought me a plastic Christmas set that we have put around the tree each year since. It plays music, lets out steam and makes me smile. I still hope to someday replace it with an iconic Lionel train set like the one my brother had.
Ever wonder how and when this fascination with toy trains and Christmas began? It can be traced back more than a century ago to the early 1900s when the railroad was the No. 1 method of transportation, especially when it came to holiday travel. Some say the Christmas connection is due to families gathering around their Christmas trees, opening presents and playing with them immediately. With outlets nearby for the Christmas tree, it only seemed natural to plug in the toy train set right there.
Joshua Lionel Cowen founded the Lionel Corporation in 1900 and began producing toy trains. He created his first electric trains for toy store displays, but families soon wanted to take one home. Lionel never lost its title as the king of model trains. Although the company reached its peak in the 1950s as the largest toymaker in the world, it is still the king of model trains today, at least to me.
The toy train set is not just an iconic American toy; it is a tradition that is nostalgic for many of us. That time-honored tradition continues today, thanks in large part to Thomas the Tank Engine, “The Polar Express” movie and the Harry Potter franchise.
At the end of the day, and especially at Christmas time, toy train sets may just be a reminder of a less complicated world when we could find enjoyment sitting with our buddies simply watching a steam engine and rail cars pass by. Choo-choo!
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com
See Shane Goodman's past columns here. |
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FROM KCCI: The Grinch booked into Dallas County Jail on Christmas Eve. ...READ MORE
FROM WHO-TV: DMPS bracing for Trump’s mass deportation plans. DES MOINES, Iowa — Governor Reynolds recently announced that she will deploy the Iowa National Guard to assist in mass deportations of undocumented individuals who are in the state illegally and have violated the law.....READ MORE
FROM WOI: Des Moines man charged with 2nd Degree Robbery after private sale goes wrong. DES MOINES, Iowa — A 20-year-old Des Moines man has been charged with 2nd Degree Robbery after the private sale of a cellphone led to an alleged violent robbery, according to the Des Moines Police Department. ....READ MORE |
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Clear Mortgage meteorology
Drizzle and fog are possible tonight through Thursday morning, then rain chances into Saturday afternoon. Temperatures stay mild.
For help with pre-approvals or refinancing, get in touch with Originating Branch Manager Carrie Hansen at carrie.mortgage. |
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| Read the latest CITYVIEW | | | JOE'S NEIGHBORHOOD
Airport security and me
By Joe Weeg
The metal detector is where it first goes south. Metal in my knees and metal in my neck trigger all the bells and whistles. At this point, the security guards only look at me with mild interest. Sure, I don’t look like a gun-toting madman, but really, who does? And I do wear those weird five-finger shoes.
“Sir, please go over to the other scanner.”
Of course. The other scanner looks like an MRI on steroids. I put my hands over my head as directed. Why do they have you do this? I imagine so the cops, hidden behind their squad cars with bullets flying and the soundtrack crescendoing, don’t have to yell, “Put your hands up.” | | | READ MORE |
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A late Christmas present for restaurants. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission formally proposed that restaurants be banned from adding any surcharges to their customer checks. This would have included delivery fees, large-party fees, and credit card surcharges. The government estimated the rule would cost restaurants an additional $3.5 billion to implement. Those restaurant mandates did not make it into the final bill.
Reckoning the year in food and hospitality
Deering-do of the year. Dominic Iannarelli and Cory Gourley didn't care that the Jordan Creek hood already had three top-end, USDA prime steakhouses (Ruth's Chris, Irina's and Fleming's). They took them all on and one-upped them with a 15-foot, coal-burning grill. The smoky flavors aren't for everyone, but they provided a built-in market. The restaurant also went all-in on seafood, and, yes, you can get a seafood tower grilled if you want.
What's even open today?
Sports bars. Truman’s will open for the Chiefs game at noon. Sully’s will open after the Chiefs game at 3 p.m. Pally’s Bar & Grill will open at 4 p.m. Chelsie's Courtyard Diner will open at 4 p.m. with a limited menu featuring ham dinners.
Other restaurants. Amruth Indian Grill will open at noon and will have a full buffet. Ruth's Chris will open at 3 p.m. Angry Goldfish will be open from 11 a.m. Opa is open at 11 a.m. with a buffet. Mulberry Street Tavern will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. AJ’s Steakhouse will open at 11 a.m. with a Christmas special dinner. IHOPs will be open all day.
Groceries. C Fresh is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kum & Go is open regular hours. Casey's is open from 10 a.m. Kwik Stars are open all day.
— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com |
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The 2024 results ...
CITYVIEW's Best Of Des Moines® | | | Best Local Health Food Store
1. Campbell’s Nutrition
2. Whole Foods Market
3. Natural Grocers
The 2025 Best Of Des Moines Poll is now closed. Results will be published in the February 2025 issue of CITYVIEW. |
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| Weekly fuel report | | | The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 3 cents, averaging $2.77 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are down 5 cents from a year ago. The national average on Tuesday was $3.04, up 1 cent from last week’s price.
Retail diesel prices in Iowa held steady this week with a statewide average of $3.29. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.70 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 22 cents lower than the national average of $3.51.
Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
Natural gas prices were up $0.09 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.47/MMbtu.
Propane prices averaged $1.57 per gallon in Iowa.
Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $2.83 per gallon. |
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| Featured home for sale | | |
$725,000 80 N.W. Alderleaf Drive Waukee, IA 50263
Step into this stunning two-story home in Waukee, Iowa, crafted by the renowned Design & Create Homes. From the moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by a wide and inviting hallway leading to the heart of the home: a thoughtfully designed kitchen, dining area, and living space perfect for entertaining.
See the listing here.
| | | See More Homes For Sale |
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| SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction | | | 505 MARKET ST. SUITE 120, WEST DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2024-09-03
SALE PRICE: $3,554,006
SELLER: OUTCOMES HOLDINGS LLC
BUYER: 505 MARKET STREET LLC
ACRES: 0.571
SQUARE FEET: 28,626 |
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Featured in the current
issue of Norwalk Living magazine | | | Delivering a meal and a smile
Volunteers make a difference for Warren County seniors.
By Becky Kolosik
It’s a Wednesday morning about 10:20 a.m. as Marty Davis opens the large dock door on the north side of the Warren County Justice Center. Waiting outside are volunteers Loren Meyer and Bob Burkhart, ready to load coolers packed with meals and milk for their weekly delivery routes.
Soon Rod Prickett and Darrel and Carol Rau pull in. It’s easy to see from the smiles and laughter that delivering senior meals is more than just volunteering. It’s also fun.
“The personal connection when we knock on the door is oftentimes just as important as the food,” says Burkhart. “Some days, we might be the only connection these people have to the world outside their door.” | | | READ MORE |
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FROM ESPN: Rodgers on whether Jets owner wants 2025 return: 'Ask Woody' ... READ MORE
FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Joel Embiid Ejected After Barreling into Victor Wembanyama, Furiously Shouting at Ref ... READ MORE
FROM Yahoo Sports: Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in avalanche at 26 ... READ MORE |
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1914: The Christmas Truce. Just after midnight on Christmas morning, the majority of German troops engaged in World War I cease firing their guns and artillery and commence to sing Christmas carols. At certain points along the eastern and western fronts, the soldiers of Russia, France, and Britain even heard brass bands joining the Germans in their joyous singing. ...READ MORE
1971: Miami Dolphins beat Kansas City Chiefs in NFL’s longest game. On December 25, 1971, Garo Yepremian boots a 37-yard field goal in the second overtime of an AFC playoff game to give the Miami Dolphins a 27-24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the longest game in NFL history. Game time elapsed for the Christmas contest: 82 minutes and 40 seconds. .... READ MORE
1941: Bing Crosby introduces “White Christmas” to the world. “White Christmas,” written by the formidable composer and lyricist Irving Berlin, receives its world premiere on December 25, 1941 on Bing Crosby’s weekly NBC radio program, The Kraft Music Hall. It went on to become one of the most commercially successful singles of all time. ... READ MORE
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| Birthdays and notables | | | These celebrities were born on this date: Justin Trudeau, Daysha Taylor, Dido, Adut Akech, Annie Lennox, Princess Alexandra, Sissy Spacek, Jorgie Porter
SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com |
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The answer to the last riddle: What do gingerbread men use when they break their legs? A CANDY CANE! - William Snyder, Irving Stone, Dianne Berry, Gail Tomlinson, Rex Post
Today's riddle: What did the English teacher call Santa's helpers?
Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com |
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To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or Johnston Living magazine or weekly, contact:
Andrea Hodapp
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 322
Mobile: 515-883-0523
andrea@iowalivingmagazines.com
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