By Tammy Kilby

For the Times

DARLINGTON — On Thursday, Dec. 21, the Gulf Mobile and Ohio (GM&O) 1934 caboose, purchased by the Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society, traveled 18 miles to it’s final stop. Around 11 o’clock under cloudy skies, Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society (LCHGS) board members, employees, and volunteers, along with members of the National Railway Historical Society, media reporters, and other interested community members watched as two flatbed semi-trucks drove into Darlington from the South to bring the caboose and it’s wheels on separate flatbeds.

Employees from A-1 Crane Rental from Dubuque, Iowa were on hand to make sure safety precautions were in place as they lowered the three parts of the caboose onto the tracks. Both sets of wheels were lowered individually, followed by the caboose itself. 

Once secure, it didn’t take long for Society members to be the first on board to take a closer look. Their excitement was captured upon their faces as their eyes dreamed of the caboose’s future. 

“Toot-Toot,” said project leader Dennis “Jack” Shannon, playfully with a wide grin upon his face. “It’s a good day.” 

The 1930’s caboose can be seen standing stately alongside the Darlington Depot, secured to the railroad tracks that were used as late as the 1980s when the railroad still came through Darlington.

LCHGS President Barb Nemec wished to acknowledge the community for their support, as well as the volunteers who help, prepared the railroad tracks next to the depot, and assisted in getting the caboose project underway. Ongoing fundraising efforts continue for the Darlington Caboose, in an attempt to prepare it for community exploration and educational purposes. Further donations can be mailed to LCHGS, 525 Park Place, Darlington, WI 53530.