Press Releases
- Tower-Soudan Historical Society
- 404 Pine Street
- PO Box 465
- Tower, MN 55790
Phone 218-753-2301 towersoudan.com email: tshistory@accessmn.com
PRESS RELEASE:
The Tower-Soudan Historical Society has taken on a rather large project: the restoration of our historic train. The train is a major attraction for visitors to our area. It consists of a 1918 steam Engine&Coal Car, a 1912 Passenger Car, Coach 81, a box car used to transport Miners and a vintage Caboose. Coach 81 served for many years as the museum, but due to vandalism, the contents had to be moved into the depot for safe keeping. Last summer a crew of volunteers gathered to rehab the train. Broken windows were replaced with new ones. The efforts of people involved in the restoration project would have made Oprah weep.
The project came to a halt with the discovery of lead-based paint. We need professional assistance to remove the peeling paint from the ceiling and walls of the insides of Coach 81 and the Workers’ car. Also the rust holes in the Engine&Coal Car need a skilled metal worker/welder. Estimates for removing the lead-based paint, priming and painting the insides of Coach 81 and the Workers’ car are approximately $40,000. Sandblasting the Engine&Coal Car and repair of the rusting exterior will cost an additional $40,000. We were stunned by the news but being Iron Rangers, we relit the lights of our miners’ helmets and have started to look for funds to augment our efforts and our willing workers.
We plan to utilize the restored train for tourists, historical displays, small groups to meet or perform, lectures, Red Hat teas, children’s educational programs and/or birthday parties.
In order to raise money for the project, we are selling raffle tickets. 1st prize is a Lionel Polar Express model train. (value $300.00) 2nd prize will be the Polar Express keepsake book and 3rd prize, the popular Polar Express movie/DVD. Raffle tickets are available either from our website: towersoudan.com or by contacting Jayne Sundeen at the Depot museum 753-2301 or at her home, 753-2526.
We are also raising funds by selling brass Memorial Name Plaques. For a minimum of $50.00 a name will be engraved on a brass plate and displayed in Coach 81 below a window or in another strategic location in the restored train.
In addition, we are planning Tower-Soudan Depot Days July 25, 26 and 27th: a local arts, crafts and music festival inside and outside of the Tower Civic Center. Patrons can reserve a table inside or a space outside in the park where they can demonstrate their talents or sell their crafts for a fee of $50.00.
To participate in this great train restoration project, please use our website or complete the following form and send it to the Tower-Soudan Historical Society, P.O. Box 465, Tower, MN 55790.
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_____Purchase ____books of raffle tickets (_______) ($10.00 for a book of 10)
_____Reserve a table or space for selling talents or performing at Depot Days. ($50.00)
_____Volunteer labor on the train as needed during the summer months.
(we will contact you as the needs arise.)
_____Purchase brass Memorial Name Plaque(s) ($50.00 minimum) to honor:
___________________________ _____________________________________
(name of honoree) (name of honoree)
Please display my Memorial Name Plaque(s) In:
____The Engine&Coal Car
____Coach 81/Passenger Car
____Miners or Workers Car
____Caboose
Name:_____________________________________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________________________________
