All aboard Warwick's Holiday Express, beginning Nov. 24

WARWICK — Enchanting model trains will once again zip through a display of Historic Downtown Warwick in the great room at the A.W. Buckbee Center at the Warwick Historical Society's Holiday Express.
Marvel at the model locomotives of the Lehigh and Hudson River Railway from more than 50 years ago that will be humming along among familiar Warwick sights such as the The 1810 House, The Old School Baptist Meeting House and The Shingle House on nearly 150 feet of track.
The display features almost 200 square feet of exhibition space, making room for trains, bridges, and tracks.
Toy and doll collectionsVisitors will also travel back in time and enjoy the historical society’s fine collection of toys and games from the 1840’s to the 1930’s. The beautiful and lovingly restored doll collection of the historical society will be on display along with doll houses modeled after some of Warwick’s historic homes.
In addition an extensive display of dolls from the collection of WHS volunteer Alina Badia de Lacour will be highlighted.
Alina's mother instilled in her the love of dolls while growing up in Cuba in the 1960's.
Not even the revolution could stop her mother from finding a doll in time for El Dia de los Reyes (Three King's Day) on January 6.
By the time Alina left Cuba in 1970 she had a small collection, but unfortunately she was only allowed to bring a pair of hard plastic dolls with unmovable limbs with her to the States; certainly not her favorite.
The family budget did not allow Alina such an extravagance as collection the world of dolls she discovered once in the U.S., she did, however, receive a Mattel Francine that grew hair, a couple of Topper Dawn dolls and a Crissy from Ideal.
She treasured her little collection and played with them often, but the "girls" she left behind in Cuba were never forgotten and she spent many a night wondering what they were up to.
Alina began collecting as an adult in the 1990's when she had the means to indulge in her childhood fantasies.
In Alina's words: "My wonderful mom passed away in 2003 and all the memories of her joy to gift me a doll in those difficult times came rushing in. The pain of losing her was unbearable. The chance to feel her love once again through sharing my dolls, priceless. Thanks, Mom."
EssentialsYou will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind holiday outing. Holiday Express will open on Saturday, Nov. 24, and will be on display through Friday, Dec. 28.
The Express will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets are $5 for individuals and $10 for families up to six people.
For more information, call 845 986-3236 ext. 106 or visit www.warwickhistoricalsociety.org.