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 We need your help! UPDATE: Work on the Rock Island caboose is now underway! For photos of our progress, please visit our Current Projects page.  Whenever Oelwein’s railroad history is mentioned, it is most always in connection with the Chicago Great Western. In fact, it was the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Minnesota railroad, which came to Oelwein in 1872, which later became the Rock Island Railroad. Any assistance in paining and repairing the caboose, in the process helping to preserve Oelwein’s railroad history, would be appreciated. Please call Bill Mundt at (319) 283-1939 or email us. The Hub City Heritage Corporation Railway Museum Railway Preservation in Oelwein, Iowa If numbers mean anything, Hub City Heritage Corp. is living up to it's mission. In 2008, we had over 1000 visitors; they came from 26 states and one foreign country, ranging in age from a few months old to 90 years old. Old and young alike enjoyed the ride on the old pump handcar; some said it brought back old memories. We have had lots of inquiries about family members who either worked for the Great Western or who they thought their relative did, also some interested in Oelwein's connection with the Rock Island railroad. We are continually getting historical items to preserve and display. On August 16th, we dedicated (with a plaque) the 40ft CGW boxcar to Tom Grace, our resident signalman. Our signal equipment will be displayed in the boxcar; hopefully we will complete the display this coming spring and summer. As we closed for the year, our Oelwein High School wrestling boys came over and did the heavy work for us as we moved the equipment inside for the winter. The Union Pacific has given us the sand tower that they are removing; it will be moved, painted, and re-installed on our property. We assisted the North Western Historical Society, Iowa Division with their annual meeting which was held in Oelwein on March 21, 2009. Based on what we learned at a May Iowa Cultural Trust seminar, we held our all-day planning session on September 27. We discussed what needed to be done to maintain the buildings and displays, plus build new displays. Actually, sitting down, talking, and listing the things that needed to be done to keep the museum in good shape and to improve it to its full potential was an eye opener. We now realize what it will take to keep and improve the museum. Here is a partial list for 2009's projects: Yard office; remove old ceiling tile. Repair leaks and paint, paint wood outside. REA building; replace rain downspout and paint trim on windows and doors. Add labels to display items. Outdoor equipment; move boxcars to dead track, finish signal display in boxcar, and put a flashing signal light in front of the museum. Hopefully we can refurbish the Rock Island caboose in 2010. As you can see, not only through your continuing support as members and donations, but also volunteer labor is needed. These are warm weather projects; if you can help with them we would greatly appreciate it. Contact us by e-mail, or call 319-283-1939. I would like to thank all that have helped us to keep the museum going by their work and donations.  Bill Mundt 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank the following people for making this website possible: Dustin D. Smith, Dana Smith, Ed Raye, William Mundt and Loren Karr |
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