Train Restoration News Story

TOWER, Minn. - The love of trains prevails in Tower.

For the past two years train lovers have been pouring the passion for their community and its historical background into the largest project the Tower-Soudan Historical Society has ever undertaken; a relic of the past that still touches the hearts of thousands.

Train tracks were one of the original gateways that opened up this country. And the first train track north of Duluth went straight through Soudan and Tower. So the Tower-Soudan Historical Society is pouring their passion for trains into the restoration of a caboose, steam locomotive, and other cars. “We're proud of it. It's something that really...the community seems to be proud of it. They all want to. They're glad to see it happen.”

Many people rode this train to Duluth until the early 1960's. One woman was riding this train in the early twentieth century. “I've ridden in this train many many times. Back and forth to Duluth.” Retired phone operator Laura Kangas of Tower says she misses traveling by train. “It reminds me of a lot of things. I'm glad that they got it. I'm glad that the children can see what we used to have when we were young.”

Since the caboose has been restored historical society membership has jumped. More than 3,500 people visited the train since may. “Tourists who come by are just amazed that we're doing this. They've seen it in a run down state. Now they're seeing it being redone.”

Tower-Soudan Historical Society Member Michael Salo says the kids enjoy it more than anybody. “When they come here, they don't get out of here in a few minutes. They're here two hours. They're on the locomotive, they're in the caboose, they go play in the park, and then they're back on the train.”

The restored caboose and passenger car not only symbolize the hard work and dedication of more than thirty volunteers, it also symbolizes a time when the nation ran on steam.

Historical society members say the project is 90% finished. The goal is to get the steam engine and passenger cars fully restored within three years.

Please visit the Tower-Soudan Historical Society website at www.towersoudan.com to find out how to donate or volunteer.