The Great River Valley System started life in 1992 when a group of guys started meeting in the basement of a store, owned by a member's wife. The club was able to use almost the entire basement. This gave GRVS ample room to setup its N-Trak layout using almost all available modules.
The N-Trak concept allowed GRVS to participate in many of the local shows using a modular and portable layout.
GRVS also stayed active with many projects, like building throttles (throttle kits were assembled by the members), meetings, holiday parties and running sessions. Field trips were also a popular activity.
In 1998, GRVS lost the use of their meeting/layout space and made a sudden move to a member’s home. This location did not prove to be very active. GRVS went dormant for a couple years.
Even though there was no current place to meet, there was still an overwhelming desire, by the core members, to continue on with the GRVS club. The occasional phone call to coordinated a morning breakfast, usually before a local model railroad flea market, provided some steam for club activities. (pun)
Today, GRVS holds regular meetings at several local facilities at least once a month. Sometimes a GRVS member will host a meeting, with a home layout being the center of attention. And, the club regularly participates in local shows and maintains an active GRVS spirit.