Red Caboose? What Red Caboose?

Someone recently asked me if there was a caboose (a red one) once located on the park property. I can say that yes, there was! Before I talk about this, though, I must first mention a little history.

In railroad history, a caboose (usually red for a reason) was located at the end of all trains. It was the office and sleeping quarters for three of the railroad workers, one conductor, the brakeman and the flagman. All of these workers had very specific jobs designated by their names.

With the advancement of technology in the 1970’s, trains began braking and signaling electronically. in 1982, the Railway Labor Act directed railroads to begin eliminating the cabooses where possible to do so, but in the process it also eliminated jobs.

Still, the popularity of cabooses was very high and many people did not want to see them go to waste. The idea arose to put them in parks and playgrounds, whenever and wherever possible. Because of this, one was donated to the YMCA in the early 1980’s and placed near the old day camp facility of of 90th Street. It was located by the forked path that leads to the dam and the esker. A playground was located by it named Arrowhead Playground. The day camp kids loved it!

The question always arises, just how did it get there … but I can’t talk about that! As far as to where it went, it was donated to Pioneer Park in Annandale.

So yes, Virginia ~ there was a caboose at the park!