Handicap Accessible Pullman Rail Car, La Reine. Western Michigan Industrial Heritage Society, Coopersville, MI 616-997-7387

Western Michigan Industrial Heritage Society
PO Box 293, Coopersville, MI 49404
a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the Preservation, Renovation and Education of the equipment, tools and supporting structures that built Western Michigan.

As you read this, much of the early industrial equipment used to build West Michigan is rotting, rusting or being cut up and sold for scrap. The Industrial Heritage Society's goal is to preserve this early heritage for the edification of future generations.

The Industrial Heritage Society is an independent, non-profit off-shoot of the Coopersville and Marne Railway. The C&M is an all volunteer, family friendly, recreational railway that runs between Coopersville and Marne Michigan. Railway members realized the railway alone would not be able to raise the funds necessary to provide funds to renovate structures and rolling stock.

The Handicap Accessible Rail Car Project was the impetus for the development of the Industrial Heritage Society and is written into the purpose statement in the articles of incorporation. Although exempted from ADA requirements and not equipped to handle handicap riders, the C&M Railway occasionally facilitated handicapped rider excursions. Unfortunately, insurance liability concerns require that handicap riders provide their own assistance to board the train.

The enthusiasm and appreciation expressed by the individuals that do ride made it clear that there was a need for this type of service in the area. Additional need and interest in this type of service was substantiated by a survey of Social Activity Directors from retirement facilities around the West Michigan area.

The ALL Aboard Campaign is a fundraising effort to raise the final $11,000 necessary to meet the project budget of $125,000 and to satisfy the requirements of challenge grant deadlines of
November 1, 2008!

click on the image above to go to the campaign website.

The Society's goal is to purchase a suitable rail car, outfit it with a handicap lift, and provide necessary handicap accessible facilities to accommodate the special needs of physically disabled individuals. The Coopersville & Marne Railway has provided a letter of intent to operate the car and provide educational, historical and railway safety information to its riders.

Coopersville Area Community Foundation
This project is made possible by multiple grants from the Coopersville Area Community Foundation Community Action Fund. The Coopersville Area Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.

An initial $500 grant provided funding for the purchase of the project railcar. A recent $1,000 grant will provide funding for the renovation and installation of a handicap lift and related equipment.

California State Railroad Foundation Musuem's renovated St. Hyacinthe (left) is built to the same plan as the Handicap Railcar Project's La Reine (right).

The Society identified a suitable rail car and in November of 2005 purchased a former Pennsylvania Pullman rail car. Built by the Pullman Palace Company in 1929, it was initially christened, the La Reine and operated on the Louisville and Nashville, Panamerican line. Original construction plans, Floor Plan No. 3973 A (4.8mb pdf), for this all-steel, heavyweight rail car were obtained by member Jim Winslow. Member Winslow has also reconstructed the service history of this car and his article, La Reine to Live Again is scheduled for publication in the Pennsylvania Technical & Historical Society's publication, The Keystone.

The Society has managed to procure challenge grants from the Steelcase Foundation, Meijer Corporation, and the Ed & Nancy Hanenburg Community Foundation Fund which require the balance of the project total to be raised by October 31, 2008. An ALL Aboard Campaign has been initiated to raise the remainder of the $11,000 needed to meet the challenge grants and finalize the total project budget of $125,000.

Anyone wishing to contribute to this project as a principle donor or contributor is asked to contact any of the officers or board members. Any and all assistance will be welcomed and be recognized in a permanent plaque prominently mounted in the finished car.

For information about membership, donations, contributions or presentations e-mail, write or call:

Ed Hanenburg, President, 15585 68th Ave, Coopersville, MI 49404
riverridge15585@aol.com, 616-837-7307

Jeff DuPilka, Vice-President, PO Box 188, Allendale, MI 49401
JDuPilka@westshorefire.com, 616-895-4347

Philip Cok, Sec/Treasurer, 179 Randall St, Coopersville, MI 49404
philip@marketingmanagementllc .com, 616-997-7387

This page last updated: September 19, 2008