Interviews

John Wiley ~ Co-Owner Eureka Springs Model Railroad Company

How did you discover Eureka Springs?

I discoverd Eureka Springs when I was a child almost 40 years ago. My family came to Eureka to see the Statue while under construction--still muddy & dirt roads back then.

What brought you here and what convinced you to relocate?

I rediscovered Eureka Springs about 3 years ago in an effort to escape the hustle & bustle of urban living.

Can you give us a little background on your company? What do you do and what accomplishments are you most proud of?

The Eureka Springs Model Railroad Co. offers a unique view into our past...evoking memories of childhood dreams with trains and nostalgic gift items.

ESMRRC is home to the largest Marklin train display in North America. Our biggest accompolishement is getting people down stairs.

As a business person what are the benefits you find being located in Eureka Springs? Are there any drawbacks?

As a businessman in Eureka, I believe the broad spectrum of exposure is the largest asset offered by location. The only drawback we see in business here is advertising.

If you were coming here on vacation what would your list of "must see or do" agenda include?

Obviously the model railroad, the live steam train, Eureka Gardens, the historic district, and the Passion Play.

What would your ideal "night on the town" in Eureka Springs consist of?

Shopping...if something were open...and eating out.

What do you think of the people that live here? How vital is the diversity of the residents to your idea "perfect community"?

Diversity is important but I do also believe in harmony....arguments often create "more harmful publicity for the city". Eureka needs positive thinkers.

People in Eureka offer a "colorful mix of personalities". I really enjoy art and would like to see the artist community do more with "music in the park". Music is the universal language and the space provided downtown is "waisted with silence". Violins, banjos, dulcimers, piano, guitar....music of the Ozarks....can immediately change the complection of the city. Bands on Sunday afternoons are as much a part of America's rich history as any building.

Without entertainment...the crowds can enjoy a nice TV program in the comfort of AC at home. Marketing Eureka will require "activity of substance" to draw crowds in a world of competive marketing. Auto shows may be good...but what if you do not like cars 10 week-ends out of the year? We need a consistent reason for people to come.

Eureka Springs has quite a fascinating history. How important do you feel this is in today's fast paced world?

History is a most important aspect of preserving our heritage. Americans are good at destroying the past each day because things go out of style.....but nostalgic items--now produced in China....are huge sellers in the marketplace.

The older we get the more we want to remember good thoughts of our childhood. The attitude of tourist visiting Eureka is good until they realize they have received a parking ticket for attempting to have a good time. A relaxed Atmosphere is exactly why people come to Eureka.

What does Eureka Springs mean to you?

Eureka Springs means everything to us as it is now our home....our livelyhood....and we value both! We still experience the pressures of day to day living....but we can also relax while being surrounded by the calm of nature. Nature is Eureka's most prized asset.

What feelings did you have the first time you stepped foot in Eureka?

The first time I saw Eureka Springs, I was a child and the most impressionable thing was the mud holes leading to Christ of the Ozarks...that was cement and did not have a head...and Basin Park.

The stores were all boarded up the windows covered with butcher paper and I do remember what a lasting impression the archiecture had on me.....The town was dead.

Has being in Eureka Springs lived up to your expectations?

I always expect more from anything....simply because complacency means the mind is stagnant. There must be a constant flow of ideas and activities to provide life in a community--especially one that thrives on tourism.