Feb 2, 2005 By Frances Borsodi Zajac 3 min read

On the day that Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog delivers the spring forecast to a waiting world, the Carnegie Science Center on Pittsburgh’s North Shore will unveil its latest addition to the Miniature Railroad and Village: their own version of Punxsutawney Phil. “He’s going to be by the coke oven area as visitors come in because that’s winter,’ reported Patty Rogers, coordinator of historical events.

Visitors who come to the science center when it opens today at 10 a.m. will have the first look. Fully animated, the miniature measures 4 by 6 inches and is a recreation of Gobler’s Knob on Groundhog’s Day.

“We have the stage with a photographer taking a flash picture, a small crowd and the inner circle,’ said Rogers. “It’s really neat. The door opens, the groundhog comes, turns around and then goes back in.’

That would make it forever Groundhog’s Day at the miniature railroad, appropriate, noted Rogers, because “it’s perpetually winter in that section.’

The miniature railroad features the fours seasons in different sections, which include country and city scenes that show western Pennsylvanians at work and play. Charles Bowdish of Brookville, Pa., Jefferson County, created the miniature railroad in 1920, building it for his brother’s Yuletide wedding.

The railroad became an annual event with people throughout the region coming to see it. When a 1953 flood damaged the Bowdish home and display, Bowdish was forced to find a new home for it. Buhl Planetarium in Pittsburgh agreed to take it over in 1954. The railroad remained there until 1992 when it was brought to the new science center.

In recent years, the science center staff has made a point of unveiling new miniatures for the holiday season that depict local historic and cultural buildings, scenes and events. For instance, this past season’s new miniatures included a 19th century glass factory inspired by Youghiogheny Glass of Connellsville, and a recreation of a small group of stargazers that honors the historical accomplishments of astronomer John Brashear, a Brownsville native.

Rogers explained the idea for the Punxsutawney Phil exhibit was decided a year ago.

“We were sorting over ideas for 2004 and Punxsutawney Phil was on the list. Everyone liked it, but we thought why don’t we wait and debut it on Groundhog’s Day?’ Rogers remembered.

The Carnegie Science Center is located at One Allegheny Avenue on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, across the street from Heinz Field. Parking is free with admission. For more information on hours and admissions, call 412-237-3400 or visit the Web site at www.CarnegieScienceCenter.org

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