LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — As part of Ohio's "Trails and Tails" initiative celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary, Lima is highlighting a significant piece of its industrial history at the Allen County Museum.
On display in the museum's front window is a historic Shay locomotive, which is also featured on the Ohio Innovation Trail.
In 1880, Ephraim Shay developed the Shay engine while working for Lima Machine Works, later known as Lima Locomotive Works. The engine, considered a workhorse of its era, transformed the logging and mining industries and helped cement Lima's reputation during the steam age.
Christine Fowler Shearer, Ph.D., director of the Allen County Museum, said the locomotive on display is a rare and important artifact.
"This one was the last one of this type that came off of their line that was saved by volunteers and restored and now is part of our permanent collection," Shearer said.
Railroad enthusiasts will have another opportunity to explore Lima's rail history this weekend when the museum opens its new temporary exhibit, "The Rail Legacy: Voices, Images, Artifacts."
The exhibit opens Sunday and will feature a lecture at 2 p.m., followed by an opening reception at 3 p.m.
Museum officials say the exhibit will showcase the people, images and artifacts that helped shape Lima's longstanding railroad legacy.
