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Lionel Train Sets
I find it so inspiring to think about all the normal, everyday human
beings who made such a difference in our past, present and future.
Take Isaac Newton or Thomas Edison for example. They didn・t grow up
rich and famous. It took hard work and dedication for them to
discover what they did. And look at our world now; who knows what we
would be living like today if Isaac Newton hadn・t discovered
gravity, or Thomas Edison hadn・t made his first light bulb. There
are so many men and women who have helped bring us to where we are
today.
It just goes to show that if you have a dream or a passion, follow
it and never give up, because you never know what sort of an impact
you will have on a person・s life, or even the whole world.
Joshua Lionel Cowen is another example of this. Born in 1877, Cowen
grew up with trains and growing technology. In fact, he was born
right before Edison・s first electric light. Cowen and his family
immigrated to New York after the Civil War, during the time when
railroads were America・s greatest achievement, growing and
prospering rapidly.
Then, the first year of the 20th century, Cowen founded Lionel.
Cowen was a successful inventor from the very start. His first toy
train was a hit, and it continued to grow from there. Somehow Cowen
convinced kids and adults alike that his trains would prepare
children for adulthood. Houses were soon filled with Lionel trains
and layouts. However, it did not last.
Soon the 1960・s came rolling in, and with it came planes and other
newer toys and inventions. People became interested in newer, more
modern toys and gadgets. Then Joshua Lionel Cowen passed away, and
so did freight lines.
That・s not the end though. Today Lionel is back, with bigger, faster
trains. So, even though Cowen is not here today, his trains are
still being produced, newer and better. Lionel trains are once again
popular and loved by kids and adults. One man・s dream has turned
into a creation known throughout the world.
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