Delaware's industrial history was based around the mighty Brandywine, and several large mills got their start in our Red Clay Creek. One such company was the Marshall Brothers Paper Mill, where steam power was used to create ream after ream of high quality paper. The Marshall family became wealthy and purchased an estate overlooking their mill.
The breathtaking Auburn Heights Preserve is located at 3000 Creek Road, Yorklyn, DE 19736
The estate was once home to Clarence Marshall, whose family owned the Marshall Brothers Paper Mill. The youngest member of the family, he was fascinated with the steam engines he saw at the mill.
In the mansion itself, you can see some of his toy trains. The collection would make any child jealous!
He built his first steam engine by the age of 18, and was obsessed with everything steam engine related.
Now, kids who are just as engine-obsessed as Marshall can enjoy his life's work at the Auburn Heights Preserve and Marshall Steam Museum.
They can play on the oversized model train named Lil' Toot...
Or they can ride a real, working, small scale steam engine train on certain Steamin' Days throughout the spring and summer.
These beautiful vintage steam trains are fun for the entire family to ride and to learn about from the knowledgeable volunteers who maintain and conduct them.
The grounds here are perfect for a serene walk after your train-filled tour. There are several miles of paved trail, and you can even ride a vintage steam car on the paths through the estate.
Clarence Marshall passed his love of trains and steam engines on to his son, Tom. Tom built the 1/8 size steam engine railway, and opened the first public exhibit at the estate in the 1970s. By 1997, he founded the "Steam Train" group of enthusiasts, which has now become the Friends of the Auburn Heights Preserve. Tom and Ruth Marshall donated the Auburn Heights property to the State of Delaware in 2008, and the Friends of the Auburn Heights Preserve operate all engines on the property, as well as the Marshall Steam Museum.
The Preserve is open year round for public events and private tours. To schedule a tour, call (302) 239-5687. Check the Auburn Heights Program Calendar for more information on public hours and family-friendly events at this historic park. The museum is always looking for volunteers to learn how to operate the steam machines and help preserve a this estate as part of Delaware history.
If you love trains, you might want to set aside a full day to take the Dreamy Train-Themed Trip Through Delaware That Will Take You On The Journey Of A Lifetime, which includes stops at other train museums, a historic scenic railway, and dinner in an old railcar.
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