Susquehanna to ‘Raise the Roof(s)’ at Reynolds Park

1-28-26

By Peter Baumann
Susquehanna Depot Borough has secured a Local Shares Statewide grant for $114,500 that will fund the completion of two projects at Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park.
An all-weather pavilion will be constructed this summer that will cover and protect the historic Clapper Model Train display, which has become a tourist attraction. The railcars are included in the Susquehanna County Heritage Trail.
The Local Shares grant will enable the construction of a “train shed” style pavilion roof that will protect the cars from the elements. This will allow the model train to be on display on a year-round basis. Currently the cars are stored away during the winter months to prevent
deterioration.
In addition, a multi-use pavilion roof will cover an exposed electrical panel and concrete pad. The grant will fund completion of construction that began years ago, but was paused due to a lack of funding.
Between 1921 and 1974, Russell Clapper, a longtime employee of the Erie Railroad (later Erie Lackawanna), built approximately 150 scale model railroad cars using metal and wood salvaged from scrapped railroad cars. Mr. Clapper displayed the cars in his yard for years, attracting many visitors. Most of the cars have been lost to time.
John Sholtiss, the owner of a landscaping company, spotted the Clapper cars while shopping at a garage sale. The doors on a parked semi-truck trailer were open, revealing the cars. He immediately bought the model train cars and turned them over to the Susquehanna Depot Borough. “The cars were a work of art,” said Mr. Sholtiss. “I like trains, and knew right away that they were an important part of the history of this town.”
A group of community volunteers worked to restore the cars and to construct a display area for them in Reynolds Park. The cars were placed on donated railroad tracks that were supported by ballast brought into the park. Funding for an enclosing fence was obtained when the Susquehanna Community Development Association was awarded a $7,800 Marcellus Legacy Mini Grant that was approved by the Susquehanna County Commissioners. The New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway donated the tracks that the railroad cars rest on. In addition, the company transported the rails to the site.
Local community volunteers who made the train display possible included Tom Culnane, Darwin Greene, John Kukowski, Mike Matis, John Sholtiss, Joe White and Roy Williams. Students from Montrose Area High School contributed to the restoration process.