Gregg Wolfersheim reports on a quick day trip to Indiana:
When I worked for the TP&W a few years ago, I knew about these places, but
never got to visit them. Yesterday I took a trip over there.
The first stop was
in DeMotte, Ind. This depot and cabin car are located in Spencer Park. The
displays are in nice shape, but, they are only open on Saturday, or by
appointment.
Next I went to Monon. A little bit north of town on IN 421 is this
place. I first had lunch at the Whistle Stop. This is a nice family type
restaurant that was quite busy. Then I went on a tour with a very informed
gentleman as a guide.
The 150 ton wrecker is the first thing you see as you
arrive. This collection was started by a couple that own a quarry up the road
near Francesville. They bought an old hopper car that is displayed by the
highway. In 1993 they then started collecting other objects, and soon after
created this place.
Inside are over 6000 objects. Many lanterns, keys, locks,
dining car items, signs, whistles, bells and watches.
There are 2 watches that
have two hour hands for working in areas near a time zone. I often wish I'd had
something like that when I worked in the area! There are handcars and speeders
on display in the main hall.
All around are tailsigns, pictures and station
signs.
A display of fire call boxes includes several from New York City that
were near the 9-11 site.
A small display shows the famous Kingsland interurban
wreck, with a voltmeter from one of the cars.
An old saw blade was turned into a
piece of artwork depicting the wreck.
Outside is an old PRR depot that is
the gift shop, with a Monon caboose nearby. All around are signal displays and
other railroad signs.
A reefer set on CB&Q Bettendorf trucks. Hmmm?
A nicely restored outside braced boxcar from the M&StL along with another Monon caboose and a steel one from the Nickel Plate Road. Also, there is a nice model railroad display depicting mainline railroading in the Colorado mountains. One can easily spend hours looking at all the displays, while having a meal along the way!
No comments:
Post a Comment