History of the Caboose

The history of our Caboose..

In time, we'll assemble a wonderful collection of information that will trace the roots of the caboose from the day it was constructed, through it's service years, it's de-comission and classification as "BOSC", it's journey to a private owner, and eventually to it's present location. From there, you'll see the transformation of this car from a dusty relic to a great little hangout - complete with darts, drinks and live entertainment.

About cabooses in general..

(Taken from an article in Popular Science magazine)
The word caboose was originally a nautical term meaning "a house on deck where the cooking is done." As applied to trains, however, it meant the very last car. The train crew often used the roof of the caboose as an observation platform for detecting smoking brakes and other problems. The train caboose was also used as a bunkhouse, office, or kitchen. Advances in technology - such as detectors that scan the train's wheels, take temperature readings, and relay that information to a central location - have rendered the caboose unnecessary.

Origin & Definitions..

Etymology:
Probably from Dutch kabuis, from Middle
Low German kabuse. Date: 1769
Definitions:
1 : a ship's galley
2 : a freight-train car attached usually
    to the rear mainly for the use of the
    train crew
3 : one that follows or brings up the rear