Topeka in Shawnee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Santa Fe Caboose #1552
1927
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 20, 2012
1. Santa Fe Caboose #1552 Marker
Old Prairie Town at Historic Ward-Meade Park
Shawnee County Parks & Recreation website entry:
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Click for more information.
The Santa Fe Railway Company purchased this all-steel constructed caboose, called "waycar," new in 1927 for $4,200. Waycars were occupied by the conductor and rear brakeman who usually rode in the cupola so they could visually inspect their train while it was in motion. Initially designated as #1552, this model CE-2 was in service until 1969. It was reconditioned in the railroad's shops at San Bernardino, California where it was returned to regular service until it was involved in a derailment. The decision was made to retire it in December 1981 and it was put up for sale.
Dr. Richard Sutton of Topeka purchased it in 1982 and donated it to Historic Ward-Meade Park in December 1984. It was moved to its present location and volunteers of the National Railway Historical Society and employees at the Topeka Santa Fe Shops made necessary repairs and repainted it to its original "mineral brown" color. The "waycar" weighs 58,000 pounds and is approximately 43 feet long by 11 feet wide and 15 foot [sic - feet] tall.
Erected by Old Prairie Town.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1981.
Location. 39° 3.831′ N, 95° 41.013′ W. Marker is in Topeka, Kansas, in
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lingo Livery Stable (here, next to this marker); Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Pauline Depot (a few steps from this marker); The Pauline Depot (a few steps from this marker); Pappan's Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles Sheldon Study (within shouting distance of this marker); Victor Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Mulvane General Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Potwin Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Topeka.
Also see . . . Ward-Meade Park. Kansas Travel website entry (Submitted on May 3, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 20, 2012
2. Santa Fe Caboose #1552 and Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 20, 2012
3. Santa Fe Caboose #1552
Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 799 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 3, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
