The Old Town Keller Merchant's Association (a group of 20 of the local businesses in Old Town) used 5 years of Krawfish Krawl profits to purchase this vintage 1917 Rock Island Railroad car, to be on display in Old Town on Lamar Street. It sits on spare tracks, owned by the City of Keller, between 3 city owned cars. The beautiful blue passenger car was bought and brought out for approximately $18,0
00, in November 2011. The plan was that the car be restored, with BNSF donated wheels, and with donations and help from many local groups, in order to become a train-watching station, and tourist attraction for train enthusiasts. (See Article 1, below)
In May 2012, when less than half of the Old Town Keller Association members were present at the monthly meeting, an unexpected (not on the agenda in advance) vote was called to sell the train. The vote was tied, 4 to 4, so the president of the association, Edward Kirkwood, broke the tie and made the decision to sell the train for $3500, stating that the train 'was an eyesore and a hazard.' When another member present at the meeting offered to match the offer and purchase it immediately, she was told it was too late. (See Article 2, below)
During the month of May, several members of the Association who want to keep the train car and proceed with the initial purpose and plan fought to try to find any way to do so; but their efforts were ignored. The train was, instead, sold for scrap by Edward Kirkland, and begun being violently dismantled over Memorial Day weekend by those he had hired. At the June 2012 Old Town Keller Association monthly meeting, 12 new members had joined, and over 30 attended. The majority of the group clearly wanted the train saved, and voted that the destruction must stop, and no more major decisions regarding the rail car be made without it being on the agenda. (See Article 3, below)
Those members of the group who are passionate about saving the train are now trying to find the pieces that have been sold for scrap, fix any broken windows, locks, etc, and protect the car. Plans are in motion to get it secured immediately, and to proceed with the restoration. The train is safe, for the moment. If you value it, or want to see it stay in Keller, you can show your support by 'liking' this page, posting your photos of the car, visiting it and 'checking in', sharing the page with friends, and by waiting for upcoming events where we can promote and raise funds for the restoration of the train. Articles below are in Chronological order: (feel free to let us know of more!)
1-The purchase/purpose of the train:
http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/04/16/3887854/old-town-keller-crawfish-krawl.html
2-The controversial 'scrapping' of the train:
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Icon-or-Eyesore-Old-Train-Carries-Controversy
3-June 5: The Association votes to halt all destruction of the train:
-http://www.cowcatchermagazine.com/Cowcatcher%20-%20News.html
