For over 100 years, the
caboose was as much a part of the freight train as the locomotive. Placed at the
end of the train, the caboose was home to the conductor, brakeman, and flagman,
providing a vantage point for trainmen to watch for signs of trouble and living
quarters where men slept, cooked, ate, and caught up on paperwork. Now the end
of the train has seen the end of its era; replaced by an EOT (end of train
device) that is safer and cheaper to maintain. Caboose #9384 was built in 1966
and featured a wide-vision cupola for maintaining a watchful eye over the train
ahead.
Caboose #9384 was given to the
City of McComb City by the Mid-South Railroad after having acquired it from
ICRR. She often saw service our of the McComb yards, harboring railroad men from
McComb as well as other location. Normally, a crew that was assigned to a
caboose stayed with that particular caboose. Although we think of the
"red" caboose's exterior, the interiors were often painted and
decorated in a way to suit the tastes of the crew with such trappings as
curtains, artwork, easy chairs, and an array of personalized touches. Some crews
were legendary for their culinary skills, preparing meals as simple as hot cakes
or as varied and delicious as a holiday feast.
