If you have ever been in Broad Ripple, you've probably wondered why there was an old Caboose sitting next to the Monon Trail and what's its' story....

The Caboose is actually known as NYC19008. It was built in 1904 and was part of the New York Central Lakeshore Lines. In the late 1960's, the Caboose got hitched to a line of rail cars that were a part of the Monon Rail System and rode the Monon rails for many years. When the railroads went bankrupt in the 1970's, NYC19008 was left on the side spur of the rail line, along with another similar caboose that has since been removed. The city of Indianapolis aquired the defunct rail line by eminent domain and the Caboose was sold to a private individual - it has been used previously as rental property as well as an artists' studio. The Caboose is now owned by J.R. Walsh, the Principal Broker of JR Walsh Realty. It was aquired in the Summer of 2007 and has undergone a major renovation. Years of neglect caused the floor, roof and one of the side walls to rot from water damage.

 Although the Caboose will never "ride the rails" agian, it lives in new splendor as a signature piece of Broad Ripple's long railtown history. A covered deck, brick patio and landscape of natural wildflowers and native grasses compliment the Caboose and the Monon Trail. Over 50,000 people per week use the trail for fun and fitness. the indianapolis Parks Department has won many awards for the best urban redevelopment of a rail line. Many cities have followed indianapolis' lead due to the economic development and nighborhood rejuvenation that has come from "the trail".

Stop by for the "nickel tour" - J.R.