FREMONT – There is real magic in a miniature train wending its way around an equally pint-size
track, especially during the holidays. That magic transforms people of any age into smiling wide-eyed
children.• The Hayes Presidential Center’s Hayes Train Special model train display opens Nov. 29.Eight
model trains – all styles that have significance to 19th President Rutherford B. Hayes and his family –
travel throughout a 12×24 course that includes mountains, tunnels, countryside, and villages.The
three-tiered display rises to the ceiling, providing a visual wonderland that also includes 19th-century
trolleys and a decorated Christmas tree. Visitors are given control of aspects of the trains’ movements
and some of the display’s animated features via a series of buttons.The exhibit, which continues through
January 5.• Adding to the holiday-theme is an exhibit telling the story of Santa Claus.Santa through the
19th Century chronicles how early depictions of Santa evolved into the jolly, ho-ho-ho, elf we all know
and love today. A series of exhibit panels also details how Santa’s purpose also has changed.Admission
to the Hayes Train Special and Santa through the 19th Century is included in the Hayes Museum ticket
price of $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors age 60 and over, and $3 for children ages 6-12.Hours are 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. (Closed Mondays, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
The Museum will close at 3 p.m. December 24.)• A finale to exhibition of the Hayes Train Special, a
Model Train Clinic takes place 1-4 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2014. Admission to the clinic is $2 per
person.In the event of bad weather the clinic will be canceled.