Hardin County Retired Teachers Learn About Scioto Junction Train Club and Caboose Restoration

Hardin Co. Retired Teacher Pres. Madelyn Lowery welcomed 19 members and guests Nan Lavergne, Lisa Oberlitner, and Tim Conkle to the Sept. 18 luncheon meeting at the Kenton Elks at noon. Melanie Kindle offered Grace before lunch of broccoli cheddar soup, chicken salad croissant, beverage, and cookies. The hostess committee was Jean Kearns, Joan Sullinger, and Joan Mouser.

Following lunch, Jodine McKinley introduced Tim Conkle to speak about the Scioto Junction Train Club which is on the corner lot across from the Kenton Elks. The club began in 2020 and presently has 9 members. Dues are $50 in order to pay for rent and other necessary things. They had focused on miniature trains, which they control remotely on their cell phones, but have now added the restoration of the caboose that is now standing on the Hardin Co. Museum Farm ground beside the fairgrounds. The caboose arrived in July 2025, but the paperwork began 2 years before with a lucky break to pay only $4500 to get it moved. They are working on plans to restore it, but will need to remove the lead red paint first.

The club is planning to get all the information that is possible to educate the youth about the caboose that was made in Kenton on Sept. 30, 1953, at International Car. This caboose was #347. It is lucky that they could get a caboose because they are no longer made anywhere in the US. Many cabooses are being made into B & Bs as the parts are removed on the inside to make them ready for renting. The club investigates to obtain any parts that are removed in order to complete the needs for their own caboose or the history for making a caboose. There were 3 interior styles for a crew of 3 to stay in a caboose. He stated that it was International Car that added a specific angle for the hitch on the caboose. Until this was done, the hitch was often broken. The factory, hiring around 60 workers, stopped making cabooses in late 1970s and completely closed in 1982.

The club usually meets on Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. till work is done. There are both men and women in the club who may work to build the train sets from kits or construct scenery. Anyone who is interested may come to observe or help. If another day or time is better, call Conkle at 567-674-4643 to arrange the meeting. Donations are welcomed and the club is tax exempt for those donating.

Pres. Lowery led the group in thanking Conkle for his interesting information. She began the meeting with Secretary Norma Frederick’s May 15 meeting. They were approved. Co-Treaserer Joan Mouser had her report filed for audit. She would receive the $15 dues at this time. Sandy Moore reported $85.50 for the scholarship fund and 279 volunteer hours for those attending since May. Cards were signed for various members and the passing of long time member Martha Cramer was announced for condolences.

Annette Ansley reported on ORTA’s work with STRS. She stated that there is an injunction still on stopping the replacement of 7 seats representing teachers down for 3 seats on the STRS board. ORTA is concerned about the funding. There is a COLA that should come to each retired teacher on the anniversary this year of their retirement. There is still money that has not been touched that could mean future COLAs.

Having no other business, VP Jodine McKinley announced the speaker for October 16 at noon at the Kenton Elks. It will be Karen Schlinglof for Universal Home Health/Hospice Care. Hostesses will be Kim Thomas, Sandy Berry, Sandy Moore, and Pat Ritchey. Donations will be for Karen’s Hospice, wrapped candy for Hardin Co. teachers, and socks/slippers for Helping Hands. Chaplain Kindle offered a prayer. The meeting was adjourned. All were wished safe travels. Doorprizes were given to Lisa Oberlitner and Jodine McKinley.

Submitted by Norma Frederick