Caboose Background

From the March 2018 Southwest Pioneer Newsletter - Written by Jim Hale

Should the old Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) caboose that sat at the depot make a return trip to Grove City?
The caboose originally was secured and renovated by the Grove City Jaycees. They acquired it from the Chessie System in 1976. For a time it was the Society’s office, and was once the office for the Grove City Chamber of Commerce. Little Theatre Off Broadway once had occupancy.
In 1972, the Jaycees spearheaded the first effort to restore the station. They dubbed their effort “Save the Depot.” By 1973, they had a contract with the B&O Railroad allowing them to restore and renovate the building at Century Village.
As time passed, the caboose fell into a poor condition again and it was moved to Green’s Heritage Village at Commercial Point where it was again restored and put on public display.
Today, the caboose is still at Green’s farm and is in poor condition that requires considerable effort and funding to become a companion unit to the depot. The Society will need to decide soon whether it is worth bringing the caboose back to Grove City or attempt to secure another unit from a rail road company.

(Note: The Society did agree to begin restoration work on the caboose.)