Grand Trunk Western, Wood Caboose No. 77915 Marker

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Grand Haven in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Grand Trunk Western, Wood Caboose No. 77915

By Christopher Light, October 20, 2004

1. Grand Trunk Western, Wood Caboose No. 77915 Marker

Inscription. This caboose of the Grand Trunk of Canada was of the 1894 design and was transferred to the Grand Trunk Western.

Early car department records indicate that it was rebuilt in 1925.

This all-wood caboose was used by the conductor as a rolling office, complete with desk and chair to prepare his paperwork. The rear brakeman sat in the seat in the cupola to watch over the train while it was in motion. Typically, the caboose was outfitted with a coal or wood stove, ice box, drinking water tank, sleeping bunks and kerosene lamps.

It was donated anonymously to the City of Grand Haven in 1980.

Specification:
Construction - all wood with steel underframe
length 24 feet
width 10 feet
height 15 feet
Weight 43,000 pounds

Location. 43° 4.045′ N, 86° 13.7′ W. Marker is in Grand Haven, Michigan, in Ottawa County. Marker is on Jackson Ave near North First Street. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grand Haven MI 49417, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pere Marquette Caboose No. A-986 (a few steps from this marker); Grand Trunk Western Standard Coaling Tower (a few steps from this marker); Pere Marquette Auto Box Car No 72222 (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Trunk Western Bridge Approach Signal (within shouting distance of this marker); Pere Marquette Steam Locomotive No. 1223 Class N-1, 2-8-4 Berkshire Type (within shouting distance of this marker).