The Return Visit sculpture by Seward Johnson of the 16th president and a modern man is the centerpiece of this year’s version of the Sculptures on the Square project in downtown Troy. The sculptures project opened in May and runs through October.
The funeral train will be located on Short Street between the county Courthouse and the Troy Hayner Cultural Center from Thursday, Sept. 10, through Sept. 13.
There will be no charge to view the exhibit from the outside. Those wanting to view the inside of the train will be asked to pay $5 each. Children through grade 12 will be admitted free.
Public exhibit hours will be noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 and 11 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 12 and 13.
The funeral train in 1865 made its away across the northern area of the county, including Conover, Fletcher, Piqua, Covington and Bradford, said Scott Trostel, a Fletcher area resident, train expert and author who wrote about the funeral train.
“I believe that many years from now people will say that they saw the Lincoln Funeral Train in Troy. I can’t think of a better reward than knowing that people took the opportunity to see it and remember it,” Trostel said.
Diana Thompson, Miami County Visitors and Convention Bureau executive director, said that although it is impossible to know how many people have visited the Seward Johnson sculpture, “I feel confident in stating we have had thousands of visitors since May.”
“I believe that bringing the Lincoln Funeral Train to Troy embodies the spirit of a community that embraces history during a very important, yet tumultuous time. It allows us to commemorate a time where our country was divided, and our 16th president helped to heal a wounded nation.” Thompson said.
“Residents from the entire region should want to view this replica funeral car and pay homage to a great president,” she said.
The Troy Foundation and Troy Main Street are coordinating the event.
For more information, go online to www.troymainstreet.org.
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