Hi Folks,
Anyone who grew up in Baltimore (where the layout was called a "Christmas Garden"), a 4 x 8 sheet fit nicely at the front window out-cove of the row homes (with the marble steps), in the space next to the vestibule in the front parlor. I imagine other east coast cities had homes with a similar space. As I understand it (before my time), it was commonplace back in the 1930s - 40s in many neighborhoods in what is now called Southeast Baltimore. Wish I had photos. Perhaps the Baltimore Sun or the Maryland Historical Society would have photos and stories. You could walk down the street and see the layouts through the front windows, at eye-level. My mother said people would ring the door bell and you would run the train for the passerby, sometimes invite in those you knew. Must have been a wonderful time!!!
Take care, Joe.
