The Little Red Caboose is a big tourist attraction in Marseilles, and the Illinois River Area Chamber of Commerce wants to make it look good again. Executive Director Kate Reynolds says it was a real caboose, but has housed the Chamber since 1978. People visit to see the old train items still inside. Those include some furniture, train company paperwork, and a fuse box.
Reynolds says it would cost around $15,000 to do everything to make it look good as new. The Chamber got only about $8,000, so some priorities will have to be set. Anyone who wants to contribute more to the project can call the chamber at 815-795-2323 or mail a check to IRAC at 135 Washington St. in Marseilles.
The letters showing the Illinois River Chamber of Commerce’s name on the Little Red Caboose don’t look so good. IRAC plans some restoration work in the spring. Photo provided by IRAC.
Some of the Little Red Caboose’s flooring is visible through the wall from the outside. IRAC photo.