Old Depot Association makes final push to paint caboose

Fundraising campaign for local landmark nears goal

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
August 10, 2023

A fundraising campaign launched by the Old Depot Association is nearing its goal of $15,000 to repaint the 1960 caboose in the center of Black Mountain. Photo by Fred McCormick

A fundraising campaign for a local landmark recognizing a transformative era in downtown Black Mountain is nearing its goal, as the Old Depot Association makes a final push to revive the 1960 caboose in the center of downtown.

The initiative, launched in 2021 by the nonprofit organization that has supported the depot for nearly five decades, will fund a fresh coat of red paint for the vintage rail car, which is open for tours, for the Sourwood Festival, Aug. 12-13.

Formed in effort to preserve the historic train depot building in 1976, the Old Depot Association received the caboose as a donation in 1988, according to Yvonne Hale, manager of the neighboring Old Depot Gallery and administrator for the nonprofit organization’s board. The car was initially used by the Norfolk-Western, which later merged with Southern Railway to form Norfolk Southern. 

“It was obtained by the association when it was announced cabooses would no longer be used,” Hale said. “It’s been right here in the middle of town since then.”

The depot marks what was once the literal and figurative center of Black Mountain, which was formed one mile in each direction from the site. Through the mid-20th century, it was the hub of the growing town, which took its name from the Black Mountain Depot. 

Old Depot Gallery Manager and board administrator Yvonne Hale offers a look at the vintage caboose in downtown Black Mountain. The nonprofit organization launched a fundraising campaign in 2021 to repaint the historic rail car. Photo by Fred McCormick

Cabooses from the era would often pull into the downtown station until service ended in 1975. 

“The caboose is open to the public during gallery hours,” Hale said. “Just stop by the desk and ask for the key, and the public is welcome to have a look inside.”

What was once a bright red color has faded with thine.

“I’m not sure it has ever been painted since it’s been here,” said Hale, who has been involved with the depot association for 20 years. “But, as everyone can see, it’s now a light, almost pink color.”

The nonprofit estimates a new paint job will cost approximately $15,000.

“We were grateful to receive a $6,000 grant from the Black Mountain Swannanoa Endowment Fund, and support from the local community,” Hale said. “We estimate we’re about $3,000 away from our goal.”

The association is currently reviewing estimates for the work. 

The 1960 caboose in downtown Black Mountain, which offers a glimpse into a transformative era in the town, will be open for tours during the Sourwood Festival, Aug. 12-13. Photo by Fred McCormick

“We would love to get this started before the end of the year,” Hale said. “That’s one big reason we’re excited to bring people in to have a look around and raise awareness.”

Donations will be accepted at the Sourwood Festival, and can be made online through the Old Depot Association GoFundMe page.