The Union Pacific Caboose Cabin - Legend & Luxury

Union Pacific

If you have been to the campground you might have noticed an old red caboose sitting on its own set of tracks next to the shower building. This early 1920's caboose was moved to Aspen Crossing all the way from Salt Lake City. This authentic Union Pacific caboose will serve as another cabin along with its sister, the stunning Canadian Pacific caboose cabin.

Union Pacific - before construction 

Currently the Union Pacific Railroad is the largest railroad network in the United States. It has more than 44,000 employees, more than 8,000 locomotives, and runs on 31,900 route-miles in 23 states west of Chicago and New Orleans. For more history on the Union Pacific go to www.up.com.

The Caboose Legend

Sandblasted

A peculiar word for a unique railroad car that’s been around for more than a hundred years- from the days of oil burning lamps right into the age of computers. The origins of the caboose and the name “caboose” are surrounded as much by legend as by fact. One idea dates the word back to a derivation of the Dutch word "kombuis," which referred to a ship's galley.

According to the Union Pacific,
"The caboose served several functions, one of which was as an office for the conductor. A printed "waybill" followed every freight car from its origin to destination, and the conductor kept the paperwork in the caboose.

Painted back to original colours

The caboose also carried a brakeman and a flagman. In the days before automatic air brakes, the engineer signaled the caboose with his whistle when he wanted to slow down or stop. The brakeman then would climb out and make his way forward, twisting the brakewheels atop the cars with a stout club. Another brakeman riding the engine would work his way toward the rear. Once the train was stopped, the flagman would descend from the caboose and walk back to a safe distance with lanterns, flags and other warning devices to stop any approaching trains.

Once under way, the trainmen would sit up in the cupola and watch for smoke or other signs of trouble from overheated wheel journals (called hotboxes)

It was common for railroads to assign a caboose to a conductor for his exclusive use. Conductors took great pride in their cars, despite the caboose's many derogatory nicknames, including crummy, doghouse, bone-breaker, snake wagon and hearse." - www.up.com

Authentic logo being added

But as you may know the caboose was much more, it was a home-away-from-home for railway men. They decorated the caboose with many homey touches, from family photos to beautiful curtains.

Interior of the Canadian Pacific Caboose Cabin

Now that the exterior of the Union Pacific caboose cabin is complete, we have begun to work on creating a marvelous and cozy interior. By June this second restored caboose will serve as a home-away-from-home for up to 4 people. It will be equipped with luxurious amenities, however featuring remarkable pieces of railway and Union Pacific history.



For more information on Aspen Crossing or for bookings go to www.aspencrossing.com or call 1(866)440-3500.

The 2nd annual Lane of Lights was a great success!

On February 2, Aspen Crossing and other Lane of Lights participants took down their light displays and celebrated a successful year of the Christmas light display in the Aspen Crossing Campground.

This year’s Lane of Lights was a great success and pivotal in creating interest for this year. Not only did we get over double the amount of visitors, but we also had many inquires on how to get involved next year!

The Lane of Lights opened November 17, 2012 and wrapped up New Years Eve. This free Christmas light display was open to the public and featured local businesses from Vulcan, Mossleigh, Carseland, High River, Chestermere and Strathmore.

The only expense to participators was the creation of their displays and it is a fantastic way that we can all get together to express our Christmas spirit... while advertising at the same time!

On Fridays and Saturdays businesses also volunteered in the gingerbread house, created from a campground group shelter, to hand out free hot chocolate and collect food bank donations from visitors

The gingerbread house was very well received. Between the Aspen Crossing dinner theatre and the Lane of Lights we raised over $2652 for our local food banks.

Aspen Crossing would like to sincerely thank the following businesses. The 2012 Lane of Lights would not have been possible without them.

Carseland Fire Department - Awarded with the Most Community Spirit

Heartland Group - Awarded with the Visitor’s Favourite Display

Sunshine Gas - Awarded with the Most Creative Display

AM 1060 

Carseland School 

The Anchor Weekly 

Fehr Construction 

High River Autoplex & RV 

Ian Donovan 

Market Street Vulcan 

Mossleigh Bar 'n Grill 

Strathmore Times 

Vulcan Trek Station 

United Auto Refinishing 

Vulcan Business Development 

Vulcan Chamber of Commerce

If you are interested in becoming involved in the 2013 Lane of Lights or would like more information you can contact Leslie Benner at 1(403)534-2129, info@aspencrossing.com or visit www.aspencrossing.com. The 2013 signup deadline is October 11, 2013.