Grand Haven in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Pere Marquette Caboose No. A-986
Photographed By Christopher Light, October 20, 2006
1. Pere Marquette Caboose No. A-986 marker
Built in November, 1941 by the St. Louis Car Company of St. Louis, Missouri.The caboose was truly a rolling office, complete with a coal stove, ice box, drinking water tank, sink and sleeping bunks.
The conductor used desk space provided to do his paper work and the rear brakeman sat in the cupola to watch over the train while it was in motion.
This car was equipped with the unique "Duryea Cushioned Underframe".
This caboose was at one time used on the nightly "Cannonball" freight train that ran from Muskegon, thorugh Grand Haven to Grand Rapids.
It was retired from service in 1981 and donated to the City of Grand Haven by the Chessie System in 1983.
Specification:
Construction - All steel
Length - 32 feet
Width - 10 feet
Height - 14 feet
Weight - 45,000 lbs
Erected by Pere Marquette 1223 Preservation Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1941.
Location. 43° 4.048′ N, 86° 13.71′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pere Marquette Auto Box Car No 72222 (a few steps from this marker); Grand Trunk Western, Wood Caboose No. 77915 (a few steps from this marker); Pere Marquette Steam Locomotive (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Trunk Western Standard Coaling Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Trunk Western Bridge Approach Signal (within shouting distance of this marker); Model 5 Autoflag "Wig-Wag" Crossing Signal (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Reformed Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Akeley Building (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Haven.
Also see . . . The official web site of the Pere Marquette Historical Society. (Submitted on April 17, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed By Christopher Light, October 20, 2004
2. Pere Marquette caboose No. A-986
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,676 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 27, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. 2. submitted on January 17, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
