Redding School District

Dave was a train hobbyist.  For many years he tinkered with scale model steam trains.  His backyard in Southern California was woven with hundreds of feet of train track.   His sixteen models were one of the most extensive private collections in the country.   At one-eighth scale, they were large enough to ride.  Visitors to the collection were immensely impressed and one, in particular, was inspired.   

This inspired friend had come to visit one day and since he had never seen Dave’s backyard before, he was astounded that Dave had found the time to put all of this together. Dave explained that little by little he had used his spare time to build his collection.  Dave asked his gawking guest if he would like to take a spin around the yard sitting on one of the trains and his friend answered with a loud "Would I ever!"  Picture those two grown men riding those trains all afternoon, marveling at them and laughing aloud like children on Christmas morning. At one point Dave's friend scratched his chin and said, "Wouldn't this be great as a ride on the grounds of the supermarket.  Parents could shop for groceries, while their children ride the trains."

Months later Dave received a call from his friend telling him to come and see his new plan around that backyard train idea.  Dave rushed over to see the supermarket train ride plan that his friend had built only to be surprised a bit by his friend.  What he found was a large carefully constructed relief map.  On that map, was a model miniature train and station house.  "Remember that afternoon in your backyard?"  Dave's friend asked.  "

"Yes of course" Dave replied. "This is a terrific design but where is the supermarket?"

It is important to explain that Dave is a famous man in his own right.  You see he was a composer and conductor who scored motion pictures and TV.  He was the television musical director of the Red Skelton show, Bonanza, and Little House on the Prairie to name a few.  David Rose was his name.  You also know David’s friend. 

The idea built in David Rose’s backyard over 50 years ago quickly outgrew the supermarket parking lot concept.  The friend was so inspired by that train experience, he decided to build for himself and for everyone one of the fantastic small worlds on earth.  His name was Walt Disney.

We never know where great ideas are going to coming from.  Sometimes a seemingly passive visit with a friend, colleague, student, or parent can generate an idea that can grow into something grand.

Have a powerful weekend,

Rob