June 1 was an especially sweet Sunday as residents and officials of Middlefield Village gathered at The Depot ice cream shop to celebrate the completion of an early 1900s Baltimore & Ohio railroad caboose restoration on its property.
June 1 was an especially sweet Sunday as residents and officials of Middlefield Village gathered at The Depot ice cream shop to celebrate the completion of an early 1900s Baltimore & Ohio railroad caboose restoration on its property.
The Depot, famous for its 19 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream — including one named Lake Erie Salt Mine — is also celebrating its 27th season.
Its interior features railroad paraphernalia informing interested visitors about Middlefield’s past while they enjoy ice cream served by Middlefield Historical Society volunteers.
Sunday, Middlefield Village Council President Scott Klein credited the historical society for its service, saying The Depot and caboose represent the society’s and village’s commitment to their community and history.
“What the historical society does to preserve the roots and heritage for our village means a lot to all of us,” he said. “Thank you very much, we appreciate it.”
Klein proposed placing a historical marker by the caboose to provide the history of Middlefield Village to residents and visitors.
The B&O caboose carried passengers and freight until the 1980s, said historical society President Corey Wright.
The caboose is a reminder of the railroad and village history of both Middlefield and the B&O, he said.
Wright also thanked Joe Tucholski, village police chief and service director, for spearheading the project.
Lexi Smith and Jaro Mares, members of the service crew responsible for the caboose windows, priming and painting, also in attendance, were honored for their hard work.
The event brought together Middlefield’s community, council members Bill Blue, Sam Morrow and Carl Hornung, and historical society members.
The completed B&O caboose restoration included large B&O signage on its front, four large, front-facing, framed windows, and newly-added steps on both the front and back of the caboose, allowing visitors to get a close look inside and take photos of the finished product.
The event also celebrated the seasonal opening of the volunteer-run ice cream shop, inside the historic railroad depot.
All its proceeds go to the historical society to fund future projects like the restoration, as well as keeping the group active and able to serve the community, according to the society.
The Depot will remain open for the summer season until Aug. 31.
