Mid-Continent recieved a large donation toward the restoration of this unique business car. It was originally built in the Great Northern's St. Paul, Minnesota shops for use by GN president James J. Hill. The unique feature of the car is the "garage" for an automobile at the one end of the car. A set of doors opens at the end to allow the vehicle's entrance/egress, down a ramp to the ground where it could travel away from the car. It has been documented that the car was used for "camping" trips by the Hill family. The car is in pretty rough shape (it's a wood car under the steel sheathing), and although the donation was large, it won't be enough to complete the restoration. Hopefully Mid-Continent will get more donations towards this car's restoration, so that this truly unique piece of equipment can be returned to it's former glory.
Boyd
bowens@rypn.org