03/27/2026
PROJECT 113 NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT FOR A BUILDING PROJECT
Our steam locomotive last had a real roof over her head more than 70 years ago, before the Central Railroad of New Jersey sold her to the breaker at Locust Summit. (The life-size photo of her in the White Haven Area Community Library, at the north end of the Lehigh Gorge, gives you an idea of how big a building she needs!)
Of the roughly 200 steam locomotives operating the United States, the 113 is the only one stored and maintained continuously outdoors. After over 35 years in Minersville, our top priority has now become construction of an indoor space.
We would like to build a 30’ x 120’ metal frame structure, with a railroad siding leading inside, for both housing the 113 and providing us with a maintenance shop area. Having this structure will keep the locomotive out of the elements, eliminating any
further deterioration and allowing us to work on the locomotive year-round, regardless of weather. We have come up with two potential layouts on the commercially-zoned property owned by the Borough of Minersville; you can see those drawings here.
Now we would like YOU to contact Minersville Borough in support of our project! You can reach the Borough by phone at 570-544-2149, you can e-mail the Borough Council at [email protected], and you can send them a letter by U.S. Mail at 2 East Sunbury Street, Minersville PA 17954.
Please make your comments friendly and positive. You can talk about the historical value of the locomotive, helping up-and-coming generations understand the Anthracite Era. You can talk about the economic value of having the locomotive operating: A weekend of excursions brings 3,000 people to Minersville, where they shop and eat. You can talk about your own experience with the 113 and what she means to you.
Thank you for putting in a good word for us, and we look forward to sharing news as the project moves ahead!
