As we mark the one-year anniversary of owning Caboose Falls, it’s hard not to reflect on the mix of emotions we felt that first day—excitement and nervousness in equal measure. There was so much to love about owning three cabooses, but there was also a lot of uncertainty surrounding the condition of the property and our ability to tackle the unknown challenges that lay ahead.
Initial Challenges
Our first few months at Caboose Falls were filled with tough and time-consuming tasks. Outside, we focused on reclaiming the overgrown landscape—cutting down trees, clearing brush and weeds, and removing a thick layer of leaves. Inside, the cabooses presented their own set of difficulties—water leaks, vandalism, and rodent infestations. Cleaning out the cars was a lot of work. It was also a bit disheartening, because so much of Schliecher’s original renovation work had been damaged. Despite the cold, the mess, and the discouraging sights, slowly but surely, we began to recover the beauty and potential of Caboose Falls.
The Most Rewarding Moments: The Impact of Visitors
Along side the challenges, there have been countless moments of pure reward—especially when sharing Caboose Falls with others. From strangers passing by to friends and family, we’ve been fortunate to open our doors and share this special place with so many wonderful people. Each visit brings something unique, reminding us of how lucky we are to be caretakers of this beautiful property.
It’s can be easy to lose sight of how much we’ve accomplished while focusing on our to-do lists. That’s why it’s always uplifting when return visitors point out the changes we might take for granted. Their kind words help us appreciate the progress we might have otherwise overlooked.
One of the most meaningful visits came from Buck Schleicher, the brother of Caboose Falls’ founder, Ed Schleicher. Buck’s insights into the early years of Caboose Falls have been invaluable. His stories and memories have deepened our understanding of the property’s history, and we’re grateful for the chance to connect with him in such a personal way.
Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a casual afternoon lunch, moments spent with our extended family makes this place all the more special. My father-in-law, in particular, has been a tremendous help. His encouragement and willingness to lend a hand have kept us moving forward, even during the most daunting challenges.
This year also saw our first overnight guests. A camping group organized by my father-in-law. They braved the onslaught of falling acorns, hiked the woods, and rode the rail-trail to it’s end in Ohio. It was from this adventure that we received our first review: “A Choo Choo Cool Place. – Ed B.”
Another first for the year was a long distance amateur radio contact made by my father using a vintage B&O railroad telegraph key. More on this in a future post.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without Anthony, our incredible real estate agent. His enthusiasm and belief in our vision from the very beginning gave us the confidence to take on this adventure. Not only did he help us navigate the complexities of purchasing the property, but he’s also become a dear friend.
Milestones and Transformation
Throughout the year, we’ve worked to restore and revitalize Caboose Falls. Our efforts have included building access trails, removing pests, and restoring power to the property. We also cleared out a camping area we affectionately call Hobo Camp, improved safety, reconnected water lines, and continued to grow an ever-expanding archive of historical records related to our cabooses and the Caboose Falls property.
The Charm of Caboose Falls
The landscape, along with the iconic cabooses, creates a blend of wonder and history that’s hard to match.
The property itself is full of natural beauty. Deep ravines, fresh water springs, and steep, rocky slopes make hiking a real adventure. It’s not always easy to navigate the rough terrain, but hiking sticks help. The boys have their favorite spots. Places like resting rock, and the stream that runs through the main ravine. They love playing in the water, building bridges, and searching for artifacts like old railroad spikes or telegraph insulators.
One of the highlights of our time at Caboose Falls has been exploring the surrounding area together. Everyone enjoys biking along the local rail-trail, it’s a paved path that runs through forested stretches, wetlands, and open farmland. The boys especially enjoy the section where we cross the state line.
Of course, no day is complete without watching freight trains pass Caboose Falls. The trains are close enough to shake the ground beneath our feet, as we smell the diesel fumes from the locomotives. As railfans, we never get tired of it. The boys and I share a love for model railroading, and seeing the variety of real trains never fails to fascinate us. It’s just another part of life at Caboose Falls that makes it so special.
Looking Ahead
We’re filled with excitement about the future of Caboose Falls. A major focus for the coming year will be the renovation of our Reserve Mining Caboose (RM17). We’ve already laid the groundwork by repairing the doors and stripping out the old drywall and insulation. In the coming year we’ll tackle the floor and fully transform the interior into a cozy camp house for guests.
A Journey of Growth
We’re grateful for the adventures, the people we’ve met, and the invaluable lessons we’ve learned. This experience has shaped us in ways we never could have imagined.
Continue for anniversary essay’s by Christian, Aurelius, and Thaddeus.