Jr., Yorklyn, Delaware 19736
The Marshall family has lived in this area since 1734, the old
homestead being one mile north on Red Clay Creek. In 1889, Israel
W. Marshall (1850-1911) and his brother, Elwood, bought the mill
property just below the present ‘Magic Age of Steam’, and
in 1897 Israel built ‘Auburn Heights’, the large Victorian
T. Clarence Marshall (1885-1969), Israel’s younger son, sold
Stanley Steam Cars in this area from 1910 until 1920. When he was
married in 1921, he purchased the home from his mother. In 1940, he
bought a local Stanley he had sold as a dealer in 1913 from John
Becker, the original owner. It was roughly restored, and by the
time World War II broke out there were three Stanleys and a Packard
‘conversion’ operated by steam in the infant collection.
These cars were used during the war when kerosene was readily
available, but motor fuel was strictly rationed.
By 1946, there were upwards of 20 cars in the Marshall
collection. The present Museum building was erected in 1947, and
soon it was full of old cars. Most all the mechanical restorations
were done by T. Clarence Marshall, though painting and top work was
done elsewhere. At an Antique Automobile Club of America meet in
1948, 12 cars from the Marshall collection were driven to the Meet,
and 9 won prizes. Many of the Stanley cars have been driven on the
Glidden Tours, and other tours for old automobiles.
In the late 1950s, T. Clarence Marshall turned his attention to
the building of small scale model steam locomotives, and the tiny
engines that pull the trains around the grounds are the result of
his efforts. In 1960, the original ‘Auburn Valley’ railroad
line was built, and this little railroad was opened to the public
by Historic Red Clay Valley, Inc. from 1961 through 1965. 33,000
passengers were carried during 70 operating days in the 5
years.
Following the death of T. Clarence Marshall in 1969, his only
son, Thomas C. Marshall, Jr., and Weldin V. Stumpf, presently
mechanical director of the Museum, prepared to open the facilities
to the general public. After the rebuilding of the rail line (about
3/4 of the present railroad is relocated trackage from the
original), modernizing the museum building, and installing a new
steam system for heat and power, the ‘Magic Age of Steam’
opened for the first time in September, 1971. It was open for 7
months each year on weekends only, and during the Christmas-New
Year holiday. In 1973, daily operation during July and August was
inaugurated. (Since the schedule is subject to change, be sure to
check the latest brochure for current dates.)
In 1971, just two rides were offered: the little train and the
Stanley Steamer ‘Mountain Wagon.’ By 1972, two more had
been added, the Toonerville Trolley, and the four-basket Ferris
Wheel. In August, 1973, the paddle-wheel steamboat, ‘Robert E.
Lee,’ began plying the waters of the newly constructed pond on
the property.
