Mars history
The Mars Area History & Landmarks Society has an excellent display of buildings and artifacts at its facility at 1 Brickyard Road in Mars that recount this area history.
The 1897 Mars Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station, an original Adams Township rural electric trolley stop, and a 1926 B&O Railroad caboose were all moved to this location and carefully restored.
A 1928 Plymouth Switcher Engine, an operating hand car, and many other railroad-related items are on display on the grounds and inside the station. Spinning 40 feet overhead with an 8-foot diameter wheel is an operating windmill that was typical of those once used by the local farmers.
Located in the Main Building are displays featuring the 1950-1960 Mars Theatre, a model oil well, old business signs, a dog-powered butter churn, and other items that depict early life in Mars over the years. The society has a gift shop, where Mars memorabilia may be purchased, and is housed in an original Ronald McDonald Party Caboose.
The Mars Shortline Railroad is a small scale railroad layout designed to ride adults and children of all ages around the Mars History & Landmarks Society property. Traveling at a leisurely pace it provides the opportunity to view all the buildings and artifacts around the historical society’s property.
A large pavilion acts as a train depot and lunch spot for those wishing to bring their lunch.
Train rides are by donation. The train operates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday from late May to end of October depending on the weather.
