DARLINGTON — The Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society is working on final details for a big event at 7 p.m. on April 6 at the Darlington American Legion Hall:  The Caboose Benefit Concert with Just Jake and Stump Fiddle Band. 

In addition to the music, there will be a silent auction with proceeds benefiting the Caboose Restoration Fund.

The Society was able to acquire a 1937 railroad caboose and set it on the original rails beside the Darlington Depot in the fall of 2023. Now the work of restoring it to an example of a working caboose of the Milwaukee Road Railroad is underway. Using as much volunteer labor and donated materials as possible the society will repair and paint the exterior, and complete and furnish the interior. The caboose will then be open for the public to enjoy.  

The society has received some donations and applied for grant funding but needs to raise matching funds. What is raised by ticket sales at the door, silent auction, and sale of desserts at this event will help immensely.

Just Jake is a well-known performer that delivers treasured classics in a way that will “take you back,” and Stump Fiddle Band is a local favorite that has been sorely missed since it stopped performing several years ago. Stump Fiddle is not “back in business.” Instead, they are uniting for this one special event and worthy cause, so this is a “don’t miss it” opportunity.

The silent auction items donated so far include a wooden caboose toy/bank by Del Norland, a Darlington Depot framed and signed print, framed Kammerude prints, Longaberger baskets, a train centerpiece, a quilt form Pins and Pieces, Roelli’s Cheese Tray, homemade cinnamon rolls, an antique victrola, an antique parlor stove, collector’s beer stein, and more donations are coming in every day.

Anyone wishing to donate an item for the auction can contact Nancy Winslow at 608-482-1140 or Barb at 608-482-2483. Items can be delivered to the Museum through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. or brought to the Legion Hall on Saturday between 4-7 p.m.

This event fundraiser will be a great addition to the Legion’s famous steak and chicken fry dinner. 

Other ways to support the Caboose Restoration, donations can be sent to Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society, 525 Main Street, Darlington, 53530, marked “Caboose.”  For any questions call Barb at 608-482-2483.