Late last summer the restoration and upkeep of a Delta County historical exhibit and sight began. Currently owned by the City of Gladstone after being donated by the now Historic Soo Line Railroad in 1960, this steam engine has greeted tourist and rail fans young and old for a generation and continues to be a Delta County Landmark for all to enjoy, according to a press release.

A committee was formed by Gladstone native John Pickard whose father had hired out on this engine for the Soo Line Railroad back in 1951 and continued as a conductor retiring in 1987. He was part of a group of 14 former and current employees who would wash and clean and paint the Engine every Summer.

Sadly they are all passed away except for one remaining member who is 91 years old. Over 20 years ago, John Larkin from the E.LS. Railroad donated over 50 Thousand Dollars to remove Asbestos and refurbish metal and paint and clean the engine with new lighting. Sadly the lights have burned out and pigeons moved in and are slowly destroying the engine once again.

Fundraising is underway and when Funding is secured bird netting will be ordered and installed. New lights have been donated by WPPI the utility provider for Gladstone. The installation of the lights is all being done by volunteer electrical apprentice from the Upper Peninsula.

Once the netting is secured, Paint will be ordered and cleaning and painting will be done by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 10-11 of the Upper Peninsula. Future plans are for a parking area and historical marker and time line Kiosk.

Anyone who would like to make a donation any amount of money to help preserve this Delta County Landmark for future Generations is appreciated.

Checks can be made out to the City Of Gladstone C/O Soo Steam Engine #730, 1100 Delta Ave., Gladstone, Michigan. 49837