Beyond the train tracks

Written by Nadine Aljets Tuesday, 20 October 2009 08:00

In the year 1904, one of the main forms of transportation was train cars. Most Pullman train cars were elegantly styled and lushly decorated. Upon entering the train car, a rich elegance was presented as rich wood tones and fine furnishings greeted guests.

Fast forward a hundred plus years to a place where transportation mostly takes place by driving a vehicle or flying in a plane, and train cars are a distant memory. Or are they? 

For Jann and Roger Lee, the rich history and unique design of the train cars inspired an idea unlike any other. They have restored multiple historic train cars – turning them into a blend of modern sleeping quarters and antique style.

The Whistle Stop Bed and Breakfast in New York Mills, Minn., has become a unique vacation spot for those wishing to celebrate a special event, such as an anniversary or birthday, or those who are interested in sharing in the history of the train cars. 

The Whistle Stop business was opened in January 1993. Before the train cars became part of the Whistle Stop, the bed and breakfast only consisted of a Victorian Era, 1903 house. The home was restored to highlight the original oak woodwork and it is now adorned with an assortment of antiques. 

The feature that draws much interest to the Whistle Stop, though, is the train cars.

The inn currently has three train cars that have been renovated into rooms that visitors can stay in – the Imperial Car, the Palace Car and the Cozy Caboose. A fourth train car, to be called the Viking Car, will soon be joining the others.

Cameron Wedde, an NDSU sophomore majoring in business administration, has been a part of the Viking’s renovation since the very beginning. Wedde’s father, Mike, runs Wedde Construction LLC. Together they have been renovating the 1904 Pullman-type car. Wedde and his father began the plans to revive the beauty and authenticity of the train car in early May. 

“We got the measurements of the car and put the cement slabs in. The car was moved in by a house moving company in early June,” Wedde said. 

The Viking Car, which weighs 40,000 pounds, will be the first handicap accessible train car at the Whistle Stop. 

Wedde said that “it’s been a time consuming project” because the car was not in the best condition when renovations began on it. Another reason is that many of the items needed to replicate the original are not made anymore.

“Many things were handmade, so it’s neat to see the history and craftsmanship that went into the car,” Wedde said. “The craftsmanship from back in the day is amazing, especially considering the tools they had. It is unlike anything built today.”

“We don’t have a plan to go off of; we just have to figure things out as we go,” Wedde said. Wedde added that the veranda on the end of the train car was one of the more challenging tasks because of its “multiple radiuses.” 

Wedde also said, “The car is made mainly of wood with a metal skeleton structure that makes the car very strong.” 

The finished product with be a unique combination of old and new. The car will remain authentic to the original design, structure and décor; however, many modern amenities will be provided to make visitors more comfortable.

Some of the many new additions to the Viking car will be a sauna and a whirlpool bath. Even with these touches of modern times, the car will still make visitors feel as though they are stepping back in time. Antiques, posters and ads from the era of the train cars cast a vintage feel to the train cars.

“The cars are like a museum inside. You can really feel all of the history,” Wedde said. 

The Whistle Stop has gained recognition throughout the Midwest and nationally for its appeal among a variety of people. Train enthusiasts will be especially rejoiced that a train station is nearby so train whistles can be heard in the distance. 

Although the Viking Car is not yet complete, construction will continue throughout the year on both the outside and inside of the car.  

Wedde said he feels honored to be able to work on such a different and meaningful project.

“It’s a once in a lifetime project because it’s not just another house or deck. It’s been rewarding because it’s a project that we don’t get to do every day,” Wedde said.