Chillicothe Railroad Museum raising money for repairs
CHILLICOTHE— Near the entrance of Yoctangee Park right on Water Street sits two red cabooses that hold a railroad museum. These Baltimore & Ohio cabooses hold and preserve over 150 years of railway history but are in desperate need of repair.
The metal caboose features pictures and historical items from the Chillicothe railroad. The wooden caboose is set up to look like it would have during its prime when people still traveled by railway. Over the past 20 years, this museum has run completely on donations given by visitors. The pandemic closed the doors of the museum which resulted in overall funds for the cabooses dropping.
The wooden caboose, which was originally built in 1927, needs to be repaired in order to maintain stability and integrity. The group in charge of the cabooses estimates that this will cost around $45,000 due to specially ordered custom parts that are needed. Once repaired the wood caboose will be repainted as well. The metal caboose will also need repair but the cost of it should be less since it is in better condition. The exterior of the metal caboose would require minimal work but the interior needs a complete renovation.
Cindy Stevens, a member of the caboose group, explained that the project will likely cost more than originally expected due to costs rising. This restoration will require several custom pieces to keep help preserve the integrity and history of the cabooses.
Stevens said this project is an immediate need as the museums hold the history of Chillicothe and the railroad. The depot in Chillicothe once helped maintain several different types of railcars.
"Chillicothe was a major hub for the B&O railroad," said Stevens.
To help with repairs the caboose group did apply for and received an $8,500 grant from the David Mead Massey foundation recently. This grant can only be used, however, for painting the cabooses.
The caboose restoration group also recently gave a presentation to Chillicothe City Council explaining the situation. The group is asking council to give $30,000 toward the repair project as they believe the museum is a learning tool for kids and adults alike that could help draw people downtown.
"We have an immediate need for the $30,000 to refurbish the wooden caboose," said Stevens.
In addition to the grant and requested money from council, the Caboose Maintenance and Restoration Fund has created a way for community members to give money online through Caboose Maintenace and Restoration, Inc. on PayPal. This money will go directly to preserving the historic cabooses and the goal of educating the public.
Stevens said the goal is to have work on the cabooses start in July and be completed by winter.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Chillicothe Railroad Museum raising money for repairs
