This all-volunteer effort was made possible through the generous contributions of many individuals who offered their time and resources. Darren Rudolph, the operator and manager of Custom Crane Service, skillfully operated the 360-ton crane to load the caboose onto the two flatbed semi-trucks, which Kolb Grading generously donated. Additionally, welding work was provided by "Mountain Man" Jake Thompson.
The 70-foot crane and two semi-trucks, one with the caboose and the other with the wheels and tracks, traveled down Hwy K to Hwy 94 and into Defiance. A new spot awaited the caboose in Vera Jacobsen Park. Volunteers Joe Brazil, Ken Regal, Scott Koziatek, Nick Boss, and Brian Crowder had prepared a railroad tie platform before its arrival.
It was amazing to watch the team of experts and volunteers work together. They made the move seem effortless. By early afternoon, they had moved the caboose and had it in place. It was impressive!
Customers ordered from a “railroad loading platform” at the caboose and then could enjoy their frozen treats in a park-like setting that surrounded it. The ice cream shop became a cherished community spot for enjoying delicious ice cream and creating memories with friends and family. After the ice cream shop closed, it was transformed into a gift shop. Unfortunately, due to new laws and regulations, it could no longer function as a business because of insufficient facilities. So, it was time for the caboose to find a new home.
Sheila would like to thank all the customers who had stopped by to enjoy the frozen treats over the years. She is grateful for the memories and the friends made along the way. Sheila said, “It’s time for others to experience its joy. We thank God for the memories and hope many more happy moments will be created in the new location in Defiance. We are thrilled to see it being used again.”
Joe Brazil, a volunteer, DMA member and St. Charles County Councilman, shared his thoughts from the day. “You might say it was one of the best Saturday mornings of my life. I watched a group of volunteers pick up an old bay window-style caboose and move it to Defiance. It was like a giant Lionel train toy for us to play with. It is great to see the community come together and do something that will have significance in the future. This makes me very proud to be a part of the DMA and our community, demonstrating so much love and dedication to Defiance. Most Saturday mornings come and go, and we can’t remember much of anything we accomplished. But I will never forget the Saturday morning in February 2025 when I got to help move a caboose! Thank you to all those who showed up to lend a hand and cheer us on!!”
The Defiance Merchants Association would like to thank everyone who made this historic event possible. To learn more and for updates on the caboose, visit defiancemo.com or Facebook @DefianceMO.
Stop by the caboose during the St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade on Saturday, March 15. See page 1 and the enclosed flyer for details.
Written and Photos by Kathy Miller
(L-R) Volunteers Joe Brazil, Brian Crowder,
Ken Regal, Nick Boss, and Scott Koziatek,
preparing railroad tie platform.
Custom Crane Services Loading
Caboose at O'Fallon Plaza
Caboose loaded on the Kolb Grading truck.
Placing the caboose in Defiance.
