About the Tour Guide

My interest in trains started in the 1950's, when I was a boy, growing up along the tracks of the Rock Island Railroad, northwest of Clarksville, Iowa. From that time on, I have always collected things related to trains and railroads, be it life size artifacts or toys and model railroads.

The Farm sign.
The Trains on the Farm display began in 1986 and continues to grow today. During my 23 years as a railroad employee for the Iowa Northern, as a track inspector and safety instructor, I collected items I was given permission to harvest along the tracks and from the rail yards. I was given much more by people wishing to donate to the display and can only thank them for their generosity. My hope is that anyone who visits the museums and displays I have put together here on the farm, will enjoy them as much as I do.


The Farm.and also the Illinois Central and Chicago Great Western. Amongst many stories about the railroad in this area, I will share the history of a train disaster and show you a spot where a town once thrived only to later collapse, now leaving no trace of its existence.

Join us for a time of fun, nostalgia, history, a little food and more.

Your guide,

Francis Edeker