by Garrick Moritz, Garretson Gazette
Rich Holzapfel and his grandson Finnley Seeloff are working on probably the best Grandpa/Grandson project that they can imagine.
Holzapfel and his friends with the Minnehaha Model train builders’ group have showcased their train and modelbuilding skills in Garretson for years now, and it’s always a popular event with everyone. This is why folks at the Garretson Museum and Historical Society have been super excited to have Holzapfel working on a historic replica of the Garretson area in miniature inside the museam.
“It’s not work, it’s fun,” said Seeloff. “I built that farmhouse right there north of Garretson, the railroad is going to go all the way from Sherman down to the Palisades.”
“We’re building all the historic buildings using old photos, and building them mostly from scratch,” said Holzapfel. “People will recognize landmarks and buildings that used to be there. Right now, downtown is just empty streets, but we’re going to fill it up and make it look as good and as accurate as we possibly can.”
Holzapfel says that they plan to have it about 90 percent completed by Jesse James Days for a big reveal. It will be coin-operated, lights will turn on, and the train will make circuits through the town. He’s even having a painter friend come in to do background images to give the model rail stretch depth and perspective. In short, the museum is excited about this exhibit, maybe just as excited as Holzapfel and Seeloff are to build it.
Article first appeared in the March 24, 2022 issue of the Garretson Gazette
