News
Sep 19 2011
Grant sought to restore caboose
Brunswick Times Gazette (Virginia) - by Sylvia Allen
The Alberta Town Council voted to apply to the Virginia Department of Transportation through the Transportation Enhancement Project to make improvements to the caboose located in the town's square. A public hearing was held on Monday, Aug. 7 to receive public input. Several members of the Caboose Committee attended as well as others who support the project. Members of the Caboose Committee are Tommy Jackson, Sylvia Jackson, Trudy Reel, Cal Farmer, Douglas Winn, Gene Hinkle, Joe Glenn, Joan Glenn and the Alberta Women's Club.
Joan Glenn, president of the Alberta Caboose Committee, Inc., said the volunteer members seek to transform a 1917 Norfolk and Western caboose into a point of significance to those interested in the historical impact of America's railroad. She said the ultimate plan is to provide a railroad caboose museum for the community as a place of study. Artifacts and accessories will be on display to reflect railroad life of the times. Glenn said the committee has been formed exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. Up to this point the committee has relied on donations, fund raisers, T-shirt sales and raffles.
"We believe the caboose will be an asset to the Alberta community but further funding is essential to continue this project," Glenn said.
Reel said the total to restore the caboose is $20,500: roofing repairs - $100, window repair and glass replacement - $300, interior paint removal, priming and repainting - $2,000, reupholstering bench seats and backs - $600, new electrical wiring with receptacles - $1,500, new heating and air conditioning system - $4,000, new entrance and exit steel stairway - $10,000, and landscaping - $2,000.
Ashley Zincone with the Southside Planning District Commission said the estimates would be reviewed and could be increased before the application is submitted. The deadline for the application is Nov. 1. The grant is an 80/20 match. Zincone said letters of support for the project are welcome. She said the town would be notified in the spring or summer if the project was funded.
Councilman Nancy Quick asked if documents related to Alberta not related to the railroad would be accepted. Glenn said any information related to Alberta's history would be accepted.
The Alberta Town Council thanked the volunteers for their work on the caboose project.