This 105-year-old Pullman coach is part 7 of our series highlighting the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Places in Peril program. It exemplifies what can be accomplished when something needs a little work. The Trust highlights new opportunities and encourages community and corporate investment, education, restoration, and historic preservation. The car is a beautiful example of why we are seeking your support.
Pullman built this heavyweight coach in 1922 for The Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway with seating for 72. The original interior is preserved, including “walkover” seats with movable backs. The car was briefly used on the New Georgia Railway trips. It’s named after Bill Purdie, a Russell High School graduate from East Point, Georgia. Purdie was a Master Mechanic – Steam Engines for Southern Railway, and later Norfolk Southern Railway. After 1968 call from then Southern Railway President, W. Graham Claytor, Jr., Purdie helped bring Claytor’s vision of operating steam locomotives over Southern rails for a new generation of fans.
For the time being you can see this historic educational tool just outside of Building. You can touch it, peek inside, look underneath, and wonder what it was like to ride in the car. The car could use upholstery work, interior cleaning and paint, exterior paint, and window frame repair among other things. We invite you to participate with us as we prepare the museum for generations to come. Enhancing our collection with the care Bill Purdie would offer this car is our goal.
For information on how you can donate, the benefits of branded corporate and/or foundation project sponsorships, and how your gift could develop career-enhancing skills for our volunteers, please write to: execdirector@train-museum.com. Thank you!
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