Potter Place Caboose Opens to Public After Major Restoration

Roof-to-rails repair began in 2018

June 22, 2021 • Saved under Andover Organizations
By Larry Chase
The recently restored Potter Place caboose is now open to the public on Saturdays. The major restoration effort took over three years to complete. Photo: Larry Chase

Sporting two fresh coats of Central Vermont Orange paint, the caboose sitting on train tracks beside the Potter Place railroad station is now open to the public again, after a major restoration effort that began in 2018.

The caboose is open for visits during weekend hours when the station and the Emons General Store are also open to the public: on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM, and Sundays between 12:30 and 3 PM.

Andover Historical Society members Bob Norander and Tim Norris were project overseers. Bob explains the restoration details:

“The issue that started the whole effort was reports of caboose roof leaks. When our contractor, Bentwood Construction of Andover, began working on the roof, extensive wood rot was discovered. 

“Thanks to a generous grant from the Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts, much of the rot has been replaced with new wood, and a new waterproof membrane has been applied to the roof. The new paint was added in June.”

The caboose was built by the Central Vermont Railway (CVR) at St. Albans, Vermont, in 1923 and served well into the 1960s and beyond. In addition to its service on the CVR, the caboose also served on the Wolfeboro Railroad (WRR). The Andover Historical Society received the caboose as a gift from the WRR in 1987.

Central Vermont Railway logo

The following year the Society refurbished the car, as it had deteriorated significantly over the years. Fenton Construction and volunteers completed this work in 1988. In 2018, when roof leaks were discovered, the Society decided to initiate the needed restoration process again.
Plans for future work include replacing wood rot on the cupola window sills and platform support structure. The two ladders leading to the roof will be re-installed, additional trim will be painted, and plans are being made to add the CVR Maple Leaf logo and identification numbers.
In less than two years, the caboose will celebrate its 100th birthday! Additional fundraising is required to finish the restoration, Bob adds. Donations can be made to the Caboose Restoration Fund at the Andover Historical Society, PO Box 167, Andover NH 03216.