In 1987, Jim and Janet Richards moved from the Philadelphia area to retire in Florida. Jim had been a founding member of the East Penn Traction Club located in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area and wanted to organize a similar club of trolley enthusiasts in Florida. He asked the editor of Trolley Talk magazine if a list of subscriber's in the Florida/South Georgia/Southern Alabama areas could be provided. A list of subscriber's with addresses in the above areas was obtained.
Then, Jim went out visiting the Orlando area near Disney World and found a motel that had a large room where layouts could be set up. With a motel and a display area, the opportunity for a gathering of trolley enthusiasts was at hand. A weekend was planned. Using the mailing information, Jim concentrated his efforts on those individuals residing in the immediate greater Orlando area.
An invitation letter was prepared outlining the event and showing directions to the motel with prices for overnight accommodations. It was also suggested that individuals who had layouts or modules come on Friday to set up; spend the day on Saturday operating; and ,on Sunday, in addition to the dismantling of the operating displays, attend an organizational meeting.
An unexpected level of enthusiasts showed up with the turnout exceeding Jim Richard's expectations. Operating layouts in Z, N, O, HO and 1/2" were on display and operating. Thus, began the Electric Railway Clubs of Florida. Since the turnout brought people from all over the Sate of Florida, it was decided to create three divisions within the State - Central Florida, Southeast Florida, and Tampa Bay. Over the years and with the passing of several members, the Tampa Bay division was merged with the Central Division.
Regrettably, Jim Richards who had established both the Club and found a more permanent annual meeting location passed on in January 2007. Today, the Club continues to honor Jim by holding its' Annual Meeting in the Orange City, Florida area.
From September to June, monthly meetings are held in members' homes. These meetings provide an opportunity to meet and discuss current electric traction activities, provide technical assistance to those who have models or display modules, exchange information on "how to" and "where to find," and, provide a forum for discussion. Plus, like almost all Clubs, these meetings provide a source of socialization.
Today, some 70 individuals are members with several "wintering" in Florida from the Northeast and Mid-west. The Clubs continue strong and continue to grow as the result of so many new arrivals to Florida.
Then, Jim went out visiting the Orlando area near Disney World and found a motel that had a large room where layouts could be set up. With a motel and a display area, the opportunity for a gathering of trolley enthusiasts was at hand. A weekend was planned. Using the mailing information, Jim concentrated his efforts on those individuals residing in the immediate greater Orlando area.
An invitation letter was prepared outlining the event and showing directions to the motel with prices for overnight accommodations. It was also suggested that individuals who had layouts or modules come on Friday to set up; spend the day on Saturday operating; and ,on Sunday, in addition to the dismantling of the operating displays, attend an organizational meeting.
An unexpected level of enthusiasts showed up with the turnout exceeding Jim Richard's expectations. Operating layouts in Z, N, O, HO and 1/2" were on display and operating. Thus, began the Electric Railway Clubs of Florida. Since the turnout brought people from all over the Sate of Florida, it was decided to create three divisions within the State - Central Florida, Southeast Florida, and Tampa Bay. Over the years and with the passing of several members, the Tampa Bay division was merged with the Central Division.
Regrettably, Jim Richards who had established both the Club and found a more permanent annual meeting location passed on in January 2007. Today, the Club continues to honor Jim by holding its' Annual Meeting in the Orange City, Florida area.
From September to June, monthly meetings are held in members' homes. These meetings provide an opportunity to meet and discuss current electric traction activities, provide technical assistance to those who have models or display modules, exchange information on "how to" and "where to find," and, provide a forum for discussion. Plus, like almost all Clubs, these meetings provide a source of socialization.
Today, some 70 individuals are members with several "wintering" in Florida from the Northeast and Mid-west. The Clubs continue strong and continue to grow as the result of so many new arrivals to Florida.