1970's - the "Iron Horse" scenic railroad miniature train that circled the Crandon Park Zoo on Key Biscayne
Crandon Park Zoo, Key Biscayne, Florida
Where else could you spend part of the day at the beach and then walk a short distance to the wonderful zoo and train around the zoo to break up your day at the beach?
An earlier operator of the train around the zoo used more modern looking locomotives and passenger cars with no roofs over them as pointed out by Robbin in the comments below. A photo of the earlier, and longer running train at Crandon, is in this gallery, specifically at:
http://www.pbase.com/donboyd/image/91573132
I remember when the station was moved from the FEC location next to US 1. Does anyone know if it is still on this spot in the photo? I hope it is. It is history of old south Florida that was almost lost.
Guest
03-Jun-2010 16:39
There is a non-profit organization called Crandon Carousel & Amusement Organization (CCAO) which reburbished the original Allan Herschel carousel - which won a State of Florida preservation award. The group has been trying for years to get another train on the property. But environmental worries and funding issues have been troublesome. If you would like to donate time or money, or for additional information on the carousel or the train projects, please contact Patty (Patty Burns, Miami High class of 1972) or Ben Benda, at gben113@gmail.com.
Margot
06-May-2010 03:37
I feel like I just took a trip in the WayBack machine. That was great.
Robbin
07-Nov-2009 20:16
Don Boyd, I Remember I Rode in A Different Train There, as A Kid. It Was Smaller, and The Locomotive Engine, was A More Modern 50's Round Nose Engine, Like The Diesel Engines, That Were In Use in The 50's. The Steam Type Train, with The Bigger Cars, came Later. I Notice The picture Says 1970's. I Really Like This Picture though, it's Pretty. I Liked The Other Train Better, The Little one I Rode as a Kid. It was Like The one at Dressel's Dairy, on Milam Dairy Road. Robbin.
Robbin
07-Nov-2009 20:05
Don Boyd, Great Picture, and A Great Memory !!!!! As A Kid, I was There at Crandon Park, A Million Times, Riding The Train, At The Zoo, Swimming in The Ocean, Roller Skating, at The Rink There, and Eating BBQ, we Cooked There, or Our Picnic Foods From Home, with My Younger Brother, and Mom and Dad. Thanks, For The Picture , and The Memories !!!!! To This Day, I Still Love Crandon Park !!!!!! It's A Special Place For Me !!!!!!! Robbin.