Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Jay and Carolyn Buffenmyer will dismantle their 56-year-old model train display.
- Proceeds from the display will be donated to Brittany's Hope, aiding children.
- Jay's dementia prompted the decision; the couple cherishes shared memories and teamwork.
PALMYRA, Penn. — Jay and Carolyn Buffenmyer, a couple from Palmyra, are preparing to dismantle their cherished model train display, which has been a labor of love for over 56 years, and donate proceeds to Brittany's Hope, a charity for children living in developing countries.
The display takes up their entire basement and features exact replicas of destinations they visited together, each with its own story and significance.
"It started in 1970. We always liked trains," Carolyn said. She recalled how Jay decided to buy a train set for their daughter shortly after her birth, sparking a lifelong passion for model trains.
"Jay said, 'Well, if we have a boy, I'm going to get a train set.' Well, we had a girl. And about two weeks later, he came in, and he said, 'Look what I have for her!' And it was a train set," she said.
Jay meticulously crafted each building to scale, including the United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, Mabry's Mill, their family's longtime Christmas tree farm, and the Reist Popcorn Company in Mount Joy.
Many of the models represent Pennsylvania historic sites, such as the original Star Barn in Elizabethtown.
Carolyn explained, "He'll come home and sketch out what he wants, figures out what kind of materials he needs, and starts building. And it takes many, many, many hours."
The display is a walk down memory lane for the couple. Carolyn expressed mixed emotions about dismantling the display, saying, "A lot of love, a lot of memories. And now that we're going to be dismantling it, some sadness, too."
Jay's dementia has prompted the couple to make the difficult decision to dismantle the display. "That's one of the reasons we know that we will not be in this in here forever," said their daughter, Carrie. Carolyn added, "That means we have to get things out. So, we thought maybe we should start earlier rather than later, and we've been thinking about this for a couple of years."
Despite spending thousands of dollars on the display over the decades, the Buffenmyers are not asking for a penny. All they are asking is for donations to be made to Brittany's Hope, a charity for children in developing countries.
"We thought, you know, that at least gives us something good coming out of having to dismantle this," Carolyn said. Jay expressed his desire for the display to be appreciated by others, saying, "I'd hate to have all this being dumped. I don't want that to happen. I'd rather have somebody have it, enjoy it and use it."
As Jay prepares to flip the switch on the display for the last time, he and Carolyn will be on track to do it together.
"We've made a good team for 58 years now," Carolyn said. Jay agreed, "It's part of the family. That's definitely the case."
