LIMA — The origins of a train car at Lincoln Park Railway Exhibit remains a mystery, but historians are one step closer to discovering the truth.
Glenn Guerra, a Wisconsin man who has been researching and rebuilding railroad cars for decades, discussed his research into the train car during a presentation Sunday at the Allen County Museum.
Official Car No. 5 has sat at the local railway exhibit for years, but its origins are still unknown. According to information obtained by the Allen County Historical Society, it was built by the Pullman Palace Car Co. in 1883. It was used as a private business car for Chauncey DePew, president of the New York Central Railroad. Through various mergers and purchases between railroads, it ultimately became the property of the Nickel Plate Railroad.
Recent research into the history of Car No. 5 raised questions as to the accuracy of this information. In reaching out to experts in the field of railroad preservation, the historical society was introduced to Guerra, who inspected the car during the weekend.
As he looked over the car, Guerra discovered the number 156, which he said will be a “big help” when determining who built the car, when it was built, and how it came to change hands. At this point, Guerra said all this information is still unknown.
“It’s sort of like when you’re on trial and they question some of the evidence that came up,” Guerra said. “All of a sudden, it’s all under question. So the minute you see things that raise questions, you start to question everything.”
By finding the 156 number, Guerra said he will have an easier time checking railroad records to determine who owned the car from the late 1800s until now.
“Basically the whole lineage is up for grabs,” he said.
Though he has more research to do, Guerra said he has been able to rule out certain railroad companies.
“We’ve answered some questions, so now I’ve got to find out some more things before I can try to make a determination,” he said.
The ultimate goal is to have the train car listed on a national registry. But first, the true history of the car must be uncovered.
“It’s like solving a puzzle,” Guerra said. “We’re trying to find the true history by filling in the blanks.”
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