This old Southern Railway baggage car is part 5 of our series highlighting the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Places in Peril program. The annual listing seeks to identify and preserve historic sites, or in our case, equipment, threatened by time and Georgia’s weather. The program highlights new opportunities for investment, education, restoration, and historic preservation. We’re seeking your support.
Back in the day, one or more of these cars were tacked to the front of a train. Your checked bags and other light freight would be delivered to the car by a Red Cap or a station employee using a baggage cart to ease the work. A baggage handler, baggage master, or at smaller stations, the station agent, or the telegraph operator handled baggage on inbound and outbound trains – without a bag fee!
This image was shot on what the author calls the “rustic” line outside of Building 2. In antiques, you don’t mess with the patina. One must admit this patina needs a good messing with. The car will never travel anywhere, but can serve a new purpose as a gallery space, classroom, or an event car. Still in fair shape, a coat of paint and a little TLC will go a long way in helping this “place in peril.”
Our potential educational tool is not yet open to the public. Though sitting in the stresses of Georgia’s weather, we would love to discuss how you can support this educational opportunity for the next generation. For information on how you can help, the benefits of branded corporate and/or foundation project sponsorships, and how your gift could develop career-enhancing skills for our volunteers, or how to donate, please write to: execdirector@train-museum.com Thank you!
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