Butte’s Engine 25 Restoration Project gaining momentum

If you've driven by the Butte Civic Center's south parking lot over the last couple of weeks, you've probably noticed the construction activity going on around Engine 25, the historic steam locomotive that has sat outside of the building since 1958.  In the time since then, Engine 25 has sat in relative anonymity with little framing or fanfare.  In recent years, the locomotive has fallen victim to weather and aging and is in desperate need of restoration.

RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION WORK UNDERWAY

Al Hess has been behind an effort to do just that and a lot more.  Hess and volunteers with the Engine 25 Restoration group have been behind plans not only restoration but construction of a roofed enclosure area with information on the engine's historic significance, all part of a grand display that Hess hopes will serve as one of Butte's many tourist attractions and progress is moving along.  "Lots of local businesses have been helping us," Hess told us.  "We've got some concrete work in for the roof system thanks to Custom Construction," he added noting incredible support from Hawe Steele who designed the roof system and a big financial boost from the Hangin' 5.

FUNDRAISER SOUVENIRS AVAILABLE

Fundraising efforts continue and one way that folks can help out is by purchasing one of the souvenirs that are for sale including magnets, t shirts and mugs with a cool design by Jon Wick of 5518 Designs as well as keychains and ornaments as well as canvas prints. Orders for the products are being taken at Berkshire Hathaway at 1751 Harrison Avenue.  Financial donations towards the project can be made at the Butte Community Federal Credit Union on Grand Avenue and further details can be found on the Engine 25 website.