On a crisp fall day two
years ago while I was working at the Depot I noticed a youngster examining the
train while a woman looked on patiently. Since it was a cold day I invited them
into the Depot to warm up. This was the day that started the Tower Soudan
Historical Society in a new direction.
The boy Tiegan Paulson
had been fascinated with trains for several years and every time he visited his
grandparents he had to stop and visit our train and cars. The preschooler knew
a great deal about trains in general and our train offered the opportunity to
explore a turn of the century engine and cars up close . As Tiegan explored and
explained various workings of the train , his grandmother Sue Ragan and I
discussed the need for a "face lifting " on the caboose. Mrs Ragan said she and
Tiegan would like to start a fund for it's restoration.
The following spring volunteer Ken Kube
,who's passion for the caboose nearly matches Tiegan's, directed the
restoration of the interior , and with that complete, the plans for exterior
renovation began. With the continued interest and support of Tiegan and his
Grandmother, driving the project, the re-siding of the caboose has begun. With
122 boards 1700 + nails and close to 40 hours of labor one side is ready for
painting The caboose color will be be returned to the original Mesabi Yellow
and hopefully by the end next summer will be fully restored.
The Caboose project led
to plans for repainting the interior of the passenger car. New windows have
been installed and a "buy a window" campaign is in full swing. We also are looking
for grant money to remove the paint inside the car and then volunteers can
repaint. Plans are to use the old museum portion of the car for a myriad of
things; meetings, activities and classroom.
Under the direction of
Ann Flanagan the metal car called the Man Car exterior has been repainted and
restoration inside has begun.
If you are interested in
volunteering give us a call at 753-2301 or stop in at the Depot.
Richard Hanson
President Tower Soudan
Historical Society
VOLUNTEERS / SPONSORS
Steve Abrahamson Ken Kube Jim Macomber
Marilyn Murphy
Meredith Maier
Judy Strong
Pauly and Don Housenga
Frank Franson
LeRoy Holmes
Sharon Morcom
Lynn Scott
Jayne Sundeen
Darlene and Ken Wamhoff
TO MAKE A ONE TIME DONATION TO HELP RESTORE OUR TRAIN CLICK THE PAYPAL BUTTON ON THE RIGHT.
OR
MAIL A DONATION TO:
The Tower-Soudan Historical Society 404 Pine
St. P.O. Box 465 Tower, Mn. 55790
