(LOOTPRESS) – In a significant effort to preserve a unique piece of railway history, the Norfolk and Western Business Car 300 Preservation Society has announced the #SaveTheHollinsCollege campaign.
The initiative, unveiled on Giving Tuesday, aims to rescue the last surviving intact Norfolk & Western (N&W) ACF 12-4 Sleeping Car, known as The Hollins College.
The car, currently owned by the Morristown and Erie Railway, holds historical significance as it was previously used in N&W Business Train Service alongside the Business Car 300.
“The Hollins College is the last of its kind,” said Bryan Lalevee, president of the Preservation Society. “This rescue mission is a perfect fit for our organization.”
The campaign received a major boost from Norfolk Southern, which awarded the Preservation Society a $10,000 Thriving Communities Grant to help secure the purchase of the historic railcar.
“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Norfolk Southern for this generous gift and for partnering with us as we set our sights on saving this unique piece of N&W history,” Lalevee said.
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson, Indiana, will serve as the home base for the car’s restoration. The museum’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the partnership, marking a new chapter for the historic artifact.
To complete the purchase and transport the car to Indiana, the Preservation Society has set an initial fundraising goal of $37,000.
This includes $25,000 to buy the car and $12,000 for shipping costs. The full restoration, expected to take 3–5 years, will require an estimated $250,000.
“We are thrilled to announce this partnership and begin writing a new chapter in the car’s storied past,” Lalevee added. “With the help of our loyal financial supporters and talented volunteers, we can bring The Hollins College back to life.”
Donations and additional information about the campaign can be found at www.nw300.org/hollinscollege.
