About the Lomita Railroad Museum

Irene Lewis and Little Engines

The Lomita Railroad Museum was the first of its kind west of Denver, Colorado. It was made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Irene Lewis who donated the Museum to the City of Lomita in honor of her late husband, Martin Lewis, in 1967. It was a rather natural thing for Mrs. Lewis to do since she had been a dedicated railroader and spent many years building Little Engines, a business devoted entirely to developing and manufacturing miniature steam operated locomotives which were sold all over the world. The museum proudly displays some of these locomotives.

The Museum was built in 1966. Much research and study was given to depot structures before the final home for the Museum was chosen. Mrs.Lewis chose to copy the Boston & Maine's Greenwood Station at Wakefield, Massachusetts, which was built before the turn of the century. The Museum has been referred to as a "work of art". Everyone who worked on the building was an artist in his line. This of course includes John W. Gallareto, the designer and builder. No expense was spared to produce a proper and appropriate treasury to house the valuable historical items on display in the Museum.

And of course who can forget the 72 x 25 ft. Railroad Mural that used to decorate the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Narbonne Ave. Postcards of the old mural are available at the museum.

Mural formerly at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Narbonne Ave.

Building toward the Future

The Lomita