Recent Press Release

Alliant Energy Foundation provides grant to help “Save the Caboose!”

Leadership Fond du Lac volunteers organizing fundraising for Historical Society project

MADISON, WI – April 30, 2008 – They call themselves “Team Loco” but what this Leadership Fond du Lac group is doing is related to the other end of the train - and it is anything but crazy.  In fact, their historic preservation initiative makes perfect sense, and it will help to maintain a piece of the Fond du Lac area’s rich railroad past for future generations.  The project involves refurbishing the 100-year-old Soo Line caboose located at the Galloway House and Village that is part of the Historical Society of Fond du Lac County.  The Alliant Energy Foundation is providing a $1,000 grant to help support the project.

“It’s exciting to support the refurbishment of the Soo Line caboose, as well as the partnership efforts of the Historical Society of Fond du Lac County and Leadership Fond du Lac as they begin moving forward with this important project,” said Marty Fox, Executive Director of the Alliant Energy Foundation.  “We are pleased to be involved with an initiative that will help cement the memory of the Fond du Lac area’s strong railroad history for years to come.”

The Soo Line Railroad was once one a major employer in the Fond du Lac area and the caboose at the Galloway House and Village represents the important contribution the railroad once made to the region.  In addition, the Soo Line caboose is one of just two remaining in the United States, making its historical value even more important.  Over the past several years, its condition has rapidly deteriorated and it is now badly in need of repair and preservation. 

The early 1900s-era train car is located adjacent to a well-traveled road in Fond du Lac and thousands of vehicles pass it every day.  Every elementary school student in the Fond du Lac School District also tours the Galloway House and Village as well so the landmark is viewed by a variety of people within the community.  Leadership Fond du Lac’s Team Loco is focused on raising $10,000 that will be used to bring the 100-year-old caboose back to its former glory by the end of this year. 

“We appreciate the support from the Alliant Energy Foundation and invite other groups to get involved as well so that we can finish the preservation of the Soo Line caboose,” said Vicki Woschnick, Team Loco member and US Bank Branch Manager.  “We want to make sure that The Galloway House and Village and the caboose continue to be something that everyone in the community can be proud of.”

In addition to the fundraising for the project, Team Loco is also looking for train enthusiasts that may have old pictures, information or memorabilia regarding the wooden caboose.  Several local business professionals are involved with Leadership Fond du Lac’s Team Loco and its “Save the Caboose!” project.  In addition to Woschnick, Team Loco also includes Dave Erickson from Alliant Energy, John Williams from the Fond du Lac School District, Amy Collett of Society Insurance, Jackie Braatz from the City of Fond du Lac, and Dave Gerritson of Fox Valley Savings Bank.

Leadership Fond du Lac is a program that was created by the Fond du Lac Association of Commerce in 1998 to provide information and experience to individuals who are willing to commit to serving their community.  Members are required to put their skills and knowledge to work through a required small group Community Service Project.

If you wish to support the “Save the Caboose” project, please contact Vicki Woschnick at 920.929.8271 or via email at Vicki.woschnick@usbank.com.

Media Contact: Scott Reigstad (608) 458-3145