Sartell Historical Society visits caboose

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The Sartell Historical Society members had a special treat on Oct. 17. Ron Euteneuer offered his caboose as a meeting place. The shiny red caboose is part of his four-car train parked on tracks in Waite Park on Third Street. The members met in the Great Northern Railway caboose X240 built in 1943 which is heated and has electricity. A brief review of the other cars included the following information: one box car built in 1948 is called an express car because a steam line ran the length of the car so it could carry perishable goods; another box car built in 1941 was refurbished with metal siding in 1964 after the wood (called car shop lumber) was given to area residents. The engine is very special to Euteneuer. It is an Electric Motor Division locomotive built in 1948. He bought it three years ago and is in the process of restoring it. When he was a youngster, he would go to the car shops after school and hop on that engine with his Grandpa Al. He would then “help” his grandpa move train cars around the yard.

Euteneuer is a local legend with his model trains, which he willingly sets up for events in the area. Recently, he set up for the Historical Society presentation to sixth-graders from the Sartell-St Stephen School District. Many volunteers provided pictures and stories of early life in Sartell. Personal history from long-time residents, artifacts from early businesses and homes, videos and games were presented to more than 300 students during the two-day event. The train was a highlight and the setting included a model of Champion Paper Mill. The historical society is happy with the response from students and staff and hopes to continue to provide insight into the early days of Sartell.

Information about the Sartell Historical Society may be found at sartellhistoricalsociety.org. The site has many links to videos and pictures.