old town cameron exhibit history
John Johnston, originally from Cameron in the 1940's, fell in love with his hometown at an early age. As a young adult, he moved to Austin and began his career there. He found a local hobby shop where he initially became interested in modeling and came up with the concept of a miniature Cameron model.
This idea grew until he found himself immersed in building models of building after building and scene after scene from his recollection as a child. He was on a mission to recreate old town Cameron as he knew it. His wife, Frances, even got involved and helped him through the years.
The 18ft x 40ft model is made to scale and includes an operating HO gauge model railroad (actually two of them - representing the old San Antonio & Aransas Pass (SAAP) and the Santa Fe (Now Burlington Northern & Santa Fe)). John interviewed Cameron citizens, obtained and used old photographs, and conducted other research to ensure the model would be authentic. He said that about 40% of the research was from his childhood memories.
So, when you see this model, you will immediately see the attention to detail and marvelously constructed models. If you lived in Cameron in the 40's - even up to the present - you will immediately recognize your old landmarks and will become lost in time. It is a pure joy to look at the model, even if you have never been to Cameron before - it is a work of art.
Over time, many architectural experts have viewed the model layout, examined is work, and declared it to be constructed and modeled with extraordinary detail.
This idea grew until he found himself immersed in building models of building after building and scene after scene from his recollection as a child. He was on a mission to recreate old town Cameron as he knew it. His wife, Frances, even got involved and helped him through the years.
The 18ft x 40ft model is made to scale and includes an operating HO gauge model railroad (actually two of them - representing the old San Antonio & Aransas Pass (SAAP) and the Santa Fe (Now Burlington Northern & Santa Fe)). John interviewed Cameron citizens, obtained and used old photographs, and conducted other research to ensure the model would be authentic. He said that about 40% of the research was from his childhood memories.
So, when you see this model, you will immediately see the attention to detail and marvelously constructed models. If you lived in Cameron in the 40's - even up to the present - you will immediately recognize your old landmarks and will become lost in time. It is a pure joy to look at the model, even if you have never been to Cameron before - it is a work of art.
Over time, many architectural experts have viewed the model layout, examined is work, and declared it to be constructed and modeled with extraordinary detail.
A Glimpse Back in Time at Cameron...
Johnson did not stop with building just the downtown area. He went on to construct tiny schools, neighborhoods, water towers, bridges, interesting scenes, and - yes - the old railroads too.
Steam and early generation diesels provided the motive power for trains in those days and he incorporated all that into the design and operation of the HO scale model railroad.
It took John 35 years to create Old Town Cameron. He and his wife spent about 6 months just working on the replica of the Milam County Courthouse. Take a look at it and you will be amazed. You can look at the model and then look out the front window and see the real courthouse. You won't see any difference except some of the trees outside are much bigger now!
John estimates that over the years he spent about $8000 building the layout. In return it gave him many hours of enjoyment as he created what now is a treasure for the citizens of Cameron and Milam County. The true value and appreciation of John's efforts can now be realized.
After John and Frances gifted the layout to the county, it had a difficult time finding a permanent home. After several moves, the Old Town Cameron finally has come to rest in the old J C Penny building just Southwest of the Milam County Courthouse. It is a separate part of the Milam County Railroad Museum where it easily teaches Cameron's history and Milam County railroad history while providing a wonderful glimpse back in time.
Although now owned by the County, John is still busily working on improving and adding to the layout. So, his Old Town Cameron is still changing and growing.
Johnson did not stop with building just the downtown area. He went on to construct tiny schools, neighborhoods, water towers, bridges, interesting scenes, and - yes - the old railroads too.
Steam and early generation diesels provided the motive power for trains in those days and he incorporated all that into the design and operation of the HO scale model railroad.
It took John 35 years to create Old Town Cameron. He and his wife spent about 6 months just working on the replica of the Milam County Courthouse. Take a look at it and you will be amazed. You can look at the model and then look out the front window and see the real courthouse. You won't see any difference except some of the trees outside are much bigger now!
John estimates that over the years he spent about $8000 building the layout. In return it gave him many hours of enjoyment as he created what now is a treasure for the citizens of Cameron and Milam County. The true value and appreciation of John's efforts can now be realized.
After John and Frances gifted the layout to the county, it had a difficult time finding a permanent home. After several moves, the Old Town Cameron finally has come to rest in the old J C Penny building just Southwest of the Milam County Courthouse. It is a separate part of the Milam County Railroad Museum where it easily teaches Cameron's history and Milam County railroad history while providing a wonderful glimpse back in time.
Although now owned by the County, John is still busily working on improving and adding to the layout. So, his Old Town Cameron is still changing and growing.