Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Here is another new function preformed for the coach dept.   Two weeks ago Paul Cronin hired, for the first time, professional carpet and upholstery cleaners.   Along with my assistance we cleaned the carpets in the ATSF 1534 and the L&N 2726 diner.   The Stanley Carpet Cleaning Company actually did all the work!The next week they came out again and cleaned all the hallway carpets in the silver cars located in yard five.   From what Paul told me those carpets were equally as dirty!  No pictures are available for I was not at the museum on that Thursday.You can just imagine after all these years how dirty the carpet was!   The cleaning and rinse  water was almost as thick as mud!It does not take long for these carpets to attract dirt with  the high numbers of visitors walking thru these displays.   We were very happy with the results and will in the future clean these two cars again along with a number of others.   Want to help defray the costs of the cleaning?  Just send a donation and mark it Passenger Coach Dept!         Thanks    Roger

Here is the latest news with our huge, yes huge, barn construction.   This puppy is really big from any angle!  The pictures do not give you the entire perspective.  You have to see it for yourself.  Come out and visit us!  The below shot was taken about 5pm.  The crew sure works fast.   All these pictures and more can be viewed in the members section in Bob Kutella's picture book in my subalbum.  Remember, the next barn....15 can be started with your donation!  

The Mt Harvard recently received a very generous matching grant donation!.  This offer was made to us by the MRHA in early June 2015 for the Mt. Harvard.  The grant was for a one to one donation!   For every dollar donated the MRHA would match it up to $10,000.00.  Well we reach our goal!!  A Check from the Milwaukee Road Historical Association was recently received by me from Bob Storozuk, President of the MRHA,  and then given to our treasurer, Nigel Bennett. We are still asking for donations for the  Mt. Harvard.   Hopefully, we will be able to sandblast and paint the roof next spring with the funds still being donated.  Estimate costs are between $15k to $20k  to hire a contractor and apply an emron like coating to the roof.  This will protect it for years even if the Pullman is left outside for months. Please consider the Mt.Harvard in your donation plans!!  Thanks     Roger