Work, fundraising under way to restore ATSF 1809 engine

By Melissa McCaghren

Slatonite Editor

People may have been a bit surprised to see the 1809 Engine on the Square be covered in sheets of plastic recently.

This was to protect the area when asbestos abatement was performed, one of the first steps in restoring the engine.

Dr. Robert Mamlock, who is the restoration committee chairperson, said it was one of the major hurdles they had faced. “The restoration project recently cleared a major hurdle: asbestos abatement. This crucial first step was completed thanks to a generous in-kind donation from Red River Remediation,” he said.

“And in a bit of small-town charm, the city gave official ‘eviction notices’ to two foxes that had taken up residence in the cab of the engine. ‘Mayor Clif Shaw helped ensure the foxes moved out peacefully, allowing the remediation team to get started,’ the committee chair shared with a smile.”

For more information, please read the Thursday edition of The Slatonite.