Miniature History

Mike is most proud of how his passion encouraged his grandchildren's creativity. "It inspired them to be creative, to invent characters. They would spend hours outside rather than inside being fed by the television. I can't think of a better gift we could have given them than a place to let their imaginations roam free."

He recalls the first run with Nathan at the control. "That was the most special moment for us, to see the look on his face when he saw all of our work had paid off. He and the other grandkids learned the valuable lesson of seeing a project through to completion and fruition."

 

The garden has also taught the Elmores' grandchildren about their local history. A miniature logging site and sawmill reflect a bygone era when those industries fueled the town of Marysville. "All the scenes depict everyday life," says Mike. "It's a living classroom." And it remains a classroom -- and playground -- for Mike and Janet, who come out daily, rain or shine, to tend the aptly named "Drizzle and Downpour Railroad."

"What appealed to us about the hobby is the fact that it has little to do with money or space. You can spend lots or little on details that don't really matter," Mike says. "What's important is the fact that it inspires teamwork, that it creates memories, that, in this hurried age, it brings families and children together."