DuPont Historical Society Calls “All Aboard!”

The following information was provided by Lee McDonald.

Hello Everyone,

Below this [post] is a clip provided by Fred Foreman of the moving of the Dynamite Train.

I want to give you all an update on DuPont’s Dynamite Train. Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteer Keith Beaton and Fred Foreman the engine is up and running and tucked away under the new canopy. Keith, who works on Stryker vehicles, spent weeks cleaning, repairing and getting the train running.

The first phase of the canopy building project is completed. The second phase, slated to begin sometime in July, will include the installation of sidewalks (allowing for handicapped accessibility) lighting and interpretive signage. Public Works Director, Peter Zahn has done a tremendous job in taking this canopy from a design on paper to an actual building.

The gentleman on the clip with the hat is Russell with the State Dept of Archeology who has been actively involved in the train restoration, is starting the process to have the train placed on the List of historic landmarks. Sen. Mike Carrell is working on the train’s restoration also and has been on-site between Session meetings. We still have a lot to do to get it back to its original condition. But we are on our way.

I would also like to thank museum manager, Joh Jones, Cara Mitchell and others who refused to let this dream die. When the going got tough…you got going!

If anyone would like to help with the train’s restoration, please contact Joh at the museum at 253-964-2399.

Finally, I would invite those who have not been by the museum, to come view the train and park. During Park Appreciation Day volunteers cleaned, weeded, painted and planted. A group of us even pulled down the ivy that was strangling our beloved Cherry Trees at the entrance of the Village.

Thank you,

Lee McDonald
President, DuPont Historical Society

P.S.
I realized I left one DuPont resident’s name off who was also instrumental in helping us obtain funding for the train canopy project. There are others but Councilman John Ehrenreich helped us at the State legislature last year to secure (Heritage) capital funding and lobbying for the canopy. Without his important participation the train project would still be only a dream. Thank you all, our legislators and councilors for your support. We will keep you posted on a date for our ribbon cutting party.

Thank you, Lee, for this update. Also, thank you to all of the volunteers for getting the project rolling.