Avon’s Caboose Gets New Home

The City of Avon is excited to preserve as much of its history as possible, even in view of the dramatic expansion of development in the town.

The latest effort preserves an old B&O Caboose that has sat on site at Olde Avon Village for many years.

Olde Avon Village is a quaint shopping and dining center. Its existence is to the credit of Ron Larsen.

For decades, Ron Larsen has played a remarkable role in preserving the history and character of the City of Avon. His dedication to historic preservation has gone far beyond simply recognizing the importance of Avon’s past and he has taken action to ensure that pieces of that history are not lost forever.

Over the years, Ron has been instrumental in saving and relocating countless historic buildings that were facing demolition. Rather than allowing these structures to disappear, he has given them a second chance by carefully moving them to their final home at Olde Avon Village, where they can continue to tell the story of Avon for generations to come.

Each building represents more than just an old structure. These buildings are tangible connections to the people, families, businesses, and everyday life that helped shape Avon into the community it is today. Without individuals willing to recognize their value and put in the tremendous effort required to preserve them, many of these pieces of Avon’s history could have been lost forever.

The buildings as what you know today: Strip Steakhouse, Clifton Barn and The Edit (formally Details location).

Olde Avon Village stands as a testament to that commitment. It is a place where Avon’s past can remain part of its present, allowing future generations to walk through history and better understand the community that came before them.

That commitment to preserving Avon’s history continues in September.

Another staple of Avon’s history, the historic train caboose, with the help of the city was moved from Olde Avon Village to its new home directly across the street next to the historic Jameson Homestead.

Bittersweet for sure, with the donation from Ron Larsen to the city of Avon. This move is more than simply relocating an old train car. It represents the continued effort to protect the landmarks that help tell Avon’s story and keep its history visible within the community.

Step by step, the caboose on moving day.

History of the Train

1918 Baltimore & Ohio Classic Caboose

A Piece of Railroad History in Olde Avon Village. This 1918 Baltimore & Ohio Classic (C-398) eight-wheel Woodside cupola caboose was built and placed into service during World War I. It was designed to accommodate a crew of six and was equipped with a coal-burning stove, water tank, ice bin, and original bunk-bed mattresses made of mohair.

The caboose was generously donated to Olde Avon Village by the Hogrefe Family, where it stood as a watchful friend beside the original Avon Nickel Plate Train Depot for nearly 40 years.

The caboose, with its distinctive dark-red exterior and white lettering, was originally restored by Dr. Delbert Fischer and his wife, Jean.

Dr. Fischer operated an antique tool business from the caboose and would often welcome visitors aboard with the sound of a train whistle. He and Jean possessed an extraordinary knowledge and appreciation of Avon’s history and were always eager to share it with the community.

Although the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad line never ran directly through Avon, the importance of railroad transportation to Avon’s history and growth is undeniable. The railroads brought commerce, opportunity, and connections that helped shape the community and its residents.

Preserving history takes vision, determination, hard work, and a willingness to invest in something that may not have an immediate reward. Ron Larsen has demonstrated all of those qualities. His efforts have helped ensure that the stories embodied in these historic buildings and landmarks will continue to be part of Avon’s story for years to come.

(Thank you, Genevieve Larsen).

Photos courtesy of Strip Steakhouse