Museum nearing goalfor caboose repairs

Thanks to a generous response to our need for funds, the project to paint the caboose at the Bonner County Museum is now shy just $700.

We are making the effort to restore the caboose to its appearance when it was hauled down Ella from the Spokane International tracks that once paralleled U.S. 2. The once famous end car to all freight trains was built for the Union Pacific Railroad and designated a model CA-3. When turned over to the Spokane International, by then a wholly-owned branch line, it was lettered for the SI and numbered C-21. (In case you missed it, the railroad turned down our request that they repaint it).

The caboose will be painted armor yellow with the same quality paint used currently by the UP. New lettering will reflect both styles used to identify the Spokane International.

We hope that all those folks who miss the caboose and remember its era will rally to the cause with a donation payable to the Bonner County Historical Society. When the $2,000 goal has been reached, painting will be done. And we will be pleased to memorialize all contributors. It will be just another step in helping Bonner County celebrate its upcoming 100th anniversary.

PAUL RECHNITZER

Sagle