Renovation of Palmerston’s cook car, caboose completed
Project 'a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared purpose': Wick-Graham
PALMERSTON – Volunteers, donors and community partners were recognized on July 22 as the Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum officially celebrated the grand opening of its restored cook car and caboose.
The evening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from elected officials and project volunteers, and tours of the newly restored railway cars, which are part of the museum’s growing collection preserving Palmerston’s railway history.
The restoration project began after the museum secured Rural Economic Development (RED) funding in 2024 to refurbish the caboose and other pieces of rolling stock, including the cook car and grain car.
Belinda Wick-Graham, Minto’s director of economic and community development, told the Community News via email that work on the caboose was completed in 2024 and 2025, while the cook car restoration was finished this year.
Renovations to the grain car are now underway.
Museum volunteer Bob McEachern said both restored cars have “deep local connections.”
The cook car, originally used to feed railway maintenance crews working in remote areas, was relocated from London before eventually being moved onto the museum grounds and restored by volunteers.
The caboose was discovered on a nearby farm, where it had been converted into temporary living quarters before being donated to the museum.
McEachern said years of volunteer work and recent grant funding helped transform the historic railcars into exhibits that tell the story of railway life in Palmerston.
“We’ve got a jewel here,” he said, noting the museum has become a destination for railway enthusiasts and families alike. “The last two years, I think the community has recognized it.”
Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae said the museum showcases not only railway history, but also the families and volunteers who helped build the community.
Rae added the train cars are “really a great testament to the history of Palmerston. I think it’s one of our best-kept secrets.”
He also acknowledged provincial support through the RED program, which helped fund the restoration work. Through the program, the Town of Minto received $11,388 in funding.
Perth-Wellington MP John Nater thanked volunteers past and present who have helped build and preserve the museum.
“It is such a wonderful piece of local heritage. When we think of Palmerston, we think of the railway,” he said.
Nater also thanked the people, past and present, who made the museum “such a wonderful part” of the community.
Minto Mayor Dave Turton said the museum is “extremely important to the council of the day and many other councils. I can’t express that enough.”
He added, “Volunteers are extremely important to this town and to every town.”
Belinda Wick-Graham, Minto’s director of economic and community development, said more than $37,000 was raised between 2024 and 2026 – through provincial funding, community organizations, sponsorships and donations – to support the two restoration projects.
“This project stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared purpose,” Wick-Graham said, thanking the volunteers who spent countless hours restoring the railcars.
Museum officials said attention will now turn to restoring the grain car, which will feature exhibits highlighting both historic and modern agriculture in the Palmerston area.
