The culmination of almost three years of work, the New York Central Caboose No. 17909 joins the 1941 caboose and 1953 box car at the Outdoor Railroad Museum in Castanea.

The New York Central wooden caboose was built between 1910-1911. According to the Clinton County Historical Society, it was the last wooden car to go up the Pine Creek Valley in 1965 when the line was discontinued.

The railroad depot, where the caboose is now displayed, was built in 1884 by the Beech Creek, Clearfield and Southwestern Railroad Companies. Financed primarily by the Vanderbilts of New York, the railroad served to transport coal from Pennsylvania’s mining regions to the state’s industrial centers.

President of the Clinton County Historical Society Bonnie Hannis gave an introduction and welcome to the ceremony, thanking those who supported the project before turning the mic over to John Gummo, a master railroad restoration expert and “savior of railroad history as far as Clinton County is concerned,” who shared a few words on the restoration.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS The caboose is pictured.

Gummo explained that the caboose had been sequestered in Cammal, Pa., during the New York Central Railroad’s merger with the Pennsylvania Railroad, a time when most of their wooden cabooses were scrapped under the direction of Al Perlman, president of the newly formed Penn Central Transportation Company.

Over the years, it passed through various owners and gradually fell into disrepair, at one point serving as a venue for private parties and as part of the Whistle Stop restaurant in Centre Hall.

“It sat there for many years… unused and uncared for,” he explained.

In 2021, Luther Gette acquired the caboose with hopes of preserving the historic train car. His partner in the effort, John Gummo, initially attempted to relocate it to Philipsburg, but due to a lack of interest, the caboose instead found a permanent home in Castanea.

Philipsburg’s Luther Gette, “King of the Hobos” and author of “Branch Line Empires: The Pennsylvania and the New York Central Railroads,” led the dedication of the restored New York Central Caboose No. 17909.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS The interior of the caboose, ready for visitors, is pictured.

Gette shared a brief and humorous recounting of his personal history with the caboose and sang several songs as a homage to his love of the Beech Creek Railroad, including “Midnight Ride on the Beech Creek Railroad” and a special song dedicated to No. 17909. He also bestowed several key members of the project honorary “hobo” titles to thank them for their contributions. They included Jim Berkebeil, Jeff Freiwald, John and Joyce Gummo, Bonnie Gradel and Pete Smeltz.

The Clinton County Historical Society extends its sincere thanks to all who contributed to the acquisition and restoration of this project. Hannis specifically acknowledged the project’s donors, the Clinton County Commissioners, Castanea Township Supervisors, the Wayne Township Landfill, the CCHS and its members and major benefactor Stephen Poorman.

“We are very fortunate in this community that we have the support of the county commissioners, the township supervisors and that people are willing to come when we have projects like this,” said Hannis. “The ordinary guy who comes in and gives us $10 is just as appreciated as the guy who gives us $1,000, because it takes the whole community to do things like this.”

She said the support of donors to the Clinton County Historical Society is what helps keep the legacy of the area’s history alive for future generations.

Both this newly restored caboose and its 1941 Pennsylvania Railroad Metal Caboose can be rented on AirBnB by visiting info@clintonpahistory.org.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS A caboose-themed cake was among the desserts served at the ribbon-cutting.

The Train in Lock Haven, Pa., is an Airbnb “Guest Favorite,” meaning it is one of the most highly rated stays on Airbnb, boasting a 4.92 out of 5 stars rating across 722 reviews.

Nestled at the Bald Eagle Valley Trail head, for easy access to hiking and biking, thanks to some clever retrofitting, the private caboose sleeps two and is equipped with WiFi, Netflix, sink, toilet, shower, microwave, Keurig, free off-street parking and fresh linens.

“Everything in the Caboose has been restored to its original condition,” the hosts said. “This unique space has all the comforts of home, while being able to enjoy history.”

To check it out for yourself, visit tinyurl.com/28n3ur7f.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS The caboose joins other historical railroad items, such as this railroad crossing sign, at the Castanea Railroad Station Historical Site.