Arrival of Caboose a big step in achieving goals

G. Giller (Vice-Chair, Central Frontenac Railway Heritage Society) | May 27, 2010

Gary Cooke & Gary Giller on the back of the caboose, the day it arrived in Sharbot Lake.

Tuesday, May 11 was an exciting day for Gary Cooke and members of the Central Frontenac Railway Heritage Society (C.F.R.H.S.) as an impressive crane set a newly acquired, orange caboose on the section of track that has been laid on land associated with the former Sharbot Lake railway station. The caboose represents an important component in the C.F. Railway Heritage Society’s goal to preserve and celebrate the historical role that the railway played in the economic and cultural development of Central Frontenac. Once it has been refurbished and related matters have been dealt with, the C.F.R.H.S. will use the caboose to display information and memorabilia for viewing by community members and visitors to the area. The society firmly believes that a community is nurtured by the strength of it historical roots, and that our railway heritage supports and promotes a strong and vibrant community.

The smile on Gary Cooke’s face was priceless as he stood on the deck of the newly acquired caboose looking out on the section of track that he and other community members, such as Lester Whan, have worked so hard to recreate. After an extensive search, Wayne Moase discovered the caboose in Vankleek Hill, and, after lengthy negotiations with CN for its purchase and complicated arrangements for its transport, the caboose finally arrived. As indicated by the sign in front of the caboose, a major fundraising campaign has been implemented to cover the cost of this venture, and a number of events have been planned over the next few months. Special thanks to those who have already made donations to the Caboose Fund and to members at large for their on-going support.

The display of railway artifacts on the site of the former station has been a labour of love for Gary and his supporters, and one more step in the fulfillment of a personal dream. It was a dream that had its beginnings in his back yard and basement until David Brison initiated the idea of publicly showcasing Gary’s collection. As a result, in the early months of 2001, the C.F. Railway Museum Organization was incorporated as a non-profit group with a Board of Directors to oversee its activities. Since then, much thought and effort has gone into making Gary Cooke’s dream a reality. Early in the process, it became evident that a stand-alone railway museum was not a viable entity, and the concept of a multiple use facility built as a replica of the former railway on or near its original site in Sharbot Lake was promoted by original members of the organization such as Mike Driscoll and Norm Landry. Although there have been challenges along the way, this original concept has garnered new life in the form of a proposed, multiple use, cultural centre as an important piece of infrastructure and vibrant focal point in the community. To take the emphasis off the facility as simply a railway museum, the C.F. Railway Museum Organization is changing its name to the C.F. Railway Heritage Society with its efforts encompassing a variety of endeavours, such as the new caboose.

As for now, the C.F.R.H.S. is busy organizing the fundraising campaign associated with the caboose, and is excited about refurbishing it over the next while. An up-coming article will give an overview of the progress that is being made on the proposed replica of the former Sharbot Lake railway station.