An icon of Pioneer Avenue is about to get a historic makeover.
The staff at the Agassiz-Harrison Museum and Archives were thrilled to announce the exterior of their landmark caboose is going to undergo restoration.
Local historian Bev Kennedy told The Observer that the 1949 Canadian Pacific Railway caboose was donated to the museum years ago, originally painted in its signature yellow and black. Thanks to funding and support from the community, restorers will go about the delicate but important task of bringing the caboose back to its original state.
The colour will go from yellow to a shade called Tuscan Red along the body of the rail car. The railings will be painted yellow, and the ends will be painted bright red.
Museum manager and curator Charlotte Murray said Rosedale-based manufacturing company Tycrop will send members of staff to power-wash and scrape the caboose as the first steps toward restoration.
“We’re really excited Tycrop is going to (sponsor) and work in collaboration with us,” she said.
“They’re quite excited to be working on this historic project,” Kennedy added.
Kennedy said fundraising efforts have taken about two years. There are hopes that eventually the interior of the caboose will also be restored, which opens up further experiences and programs for the museum.
The restoration process will take place over the course of the next month or two.
“We are so well supported by the community, not only by our membership but people just love what we’re doing here,” Kennedy said.
Christmas and Halloween events are particularly popular at the museum.
adam.louis@ ahobserver.com
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