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All aboard: Railway offers history, entertainment
Monday, August 06, 2007
LEBANON — On a searing August morning, the last thing area residents may have thought they would see is a dozen Confederate soldiers forming ranks — wool uniforms and all.
That is, unless they were one of the nearly 250 people who signed up for Saturday's Civil War re-enactment aboard the Lebanon, Mason and Monroe Railroad.
Extras
Photos
Cynthia A. Collins of Hamilton (left) watches 'captured' soldiers on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad during an event combining the train with a Civil War re-enactment.
Re-enactor Joe Rich of Liberty Twp. rides the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad during an event combining the train with a Civil War re-enactment. 
Jim Moore of Cincinnati shows passengers medical supplies used during the Civil War on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad.The train, which boards in downtown Lebanon, operates on nearly 25 miles of track between Lebanon, Mason and Monroe. Most rides run about two hours, with an hourlong stay at a picnic area, where riders can see a battle re-enactment.
"Taking a train ride is a great way to get some nostalgia as well as history with your family ... everyone can relax and be together," said Karen Zerbini, president of the LM&M Railroad. "I think we combine things that people are interested in ... history as well as pop culture."
A group of five investors and railroad enthusiasts purchased the former Lebanon and Turtlecreek Railway, renaming it Lebanon, Mason and Monroe Railroad in 2006.
The LM&M operates with a restored 1950s-era GP-7 diesel-electric locomotive, open window commuter coaches built in 1930 and an open-air gondola car on the rear of the train.
Saturday, members of the Ohio Valley Civil War Association clad in 1860s-era garb meandered through the train cars, talking with passengers and even binding a few rowdy children with wrist and leg irons.
"Y'all be sure and watch this one," said one re-enactor, as he slipped the teen a wad of Confederate money and rattled the metal around his arm.
Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad
Where: 127 S. Mechanic St., downtown Lebanon
Info: Visit lebanonrr.com or call (513) 933-8022
