H&R Caboose Roost Opens Doors as Vintage Railway Retreat

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 21, 2024, marked the official opening of the H&R Caboose Roost, a unique vintage accommodation located in Madison County. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, celebrating the transformation of a once-neglected caboose into a cozy getaway.

The caboose, a 1958 Rock Island model, served its last operational role in 1982, primarily under the Terminal Railroad in Granite City, Illinois, part of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. After the Rock Island Railway declared bankruptcy in 1979, the caboose fell into disrepair, until its recent revival.

The story of this restoration began when Rick Shoemaker, a resident of Fredericktown and a neighbor of new owners Tina and Kenny Bales, acquired the caboose around 2018. His ambition was to convert it into a home, but after his untimely passing in 2021, the project remained unfinished. In July 2024, the Bales family purchased the caboose from Shoemaker’s family and initiated a comprehensive restoration process.

“I saw beyond the rust and felt the caboose was a relic worth restoring,” Tina Bales said. “When I found out it was for sale, I knew I had to have it. I wanted to preserve this unique piece of history for others to enjoy.” The name of the retreat pays tribute to both her father, Harry, who worked as an engineer for the Terminal Railroad, and Shoemaker, whose dream was to inhabit the caboose.

With 32 years of experience as a florist, Bales infused the interior with her artistic touch. The renovation included a fresh coat of white paint, a kitchenette, and decorative elements such as railroad art and a vintage stoplight. She acknowledged the significant contribution of Edmonds Construction for their expertise in transforming the space.

A Labor of Love and Community Spirit

“This restoration has been a joy, a challenge, and a true labor of love,” Bales expressed. “I am grateful for my contractors for their patience and countless hours of hard work and dedication to this project.” She emphasized the emotional significance of bringing a piece of railroad history back to life, allowing others to experience the nostalgia associated with such unique accommodations.

The H&R Caboose Roost not only reflects a personal connection to the past but also serves as a symbol of community resilience and preservation. As Bales noted, “I am happy that now others can experience the same sense of awe and nostalgia I felt and the quiet beauty of sleeping inside a piece of history brought back to life.”

The opening of the H&R Caboose Roost heralds a new chapter for vintage tourism in Madison County, inviting visitors to enjoy an extraordinary blend of history and comfort in a setting steeped in railway heritage.