One of the most unusual and historically valued artifacts at the Avery County Museum is the ET&WNC Caboose #505. 

 

This Caboose was part of the train that made its last official run in 1950. Unlike most equipment that was then scrapped, the #505 was given to longtime conductor Cy Crumley. 

 

After Mr. Crumley’s death, it came into the ownership of Frank Winston. Later gifted to Ken Riddle, the Winston family and Ken Riddle gifted the prize artifact to the Museum where it rests on original tracks .

 

With the help of the ET&WNC Historical Society, Museum board member Jerry Turbyfill is working to restore the Caboose. Time and materials required for an authentic restoration make this a slow process but one worth doing.

 

If you would like to help us in this endeavor, donations are gladly accepted!