Cupola Caboose, DSS&A, 1911

Between 1910 and 1919, the Duluth South Shore & Atlantic built thirteen identical cabooses in its Marquette, Michigan shops. The series was numbered 566 through 578; DSS&A cabooses #568 and #570 presently at North Freedom are survivors from this series. #568 was built in 1911.

These cabooses were originally built with a wood underframe and truss rod design. In 1924, a steel centersill was added but the truss rods were retained. This was the only major modification ever made to #568. In the 1961 consolidation of the DSS&A into the Soo Line, #568 retained its original number as it did not duplicate any existing Soo number series.

With the off center cupola design, the interior of the long end features six high-backed wood bench seats grouped into three pairs facing each other. This configuration allowed for each pair of seats to be made into a sleeping bunk for the crew. A coal stove and conductor’s desk occupy the remaining space in the long end.

The interior space under the cupola is utilized with a coal storage area and equipment storage closets. The short end contains a sink and closet on one side and a low storage bench on the other side that could also double as another sleeping bunk. #568 was constructed without a toilet. Even after Wisconsin passed a “john” law stating that all cabooses operating within the state had to be equipped, none were added. Theoretically, the passage of the law would have restricted the operation of these cabooses to upper Michigan. However, it is doubtful that the South Shore ever abided by it.

#568 was sold by the Soo Line in 1971 to private individuals. It arrived at North Freedom in August 1980. The eclectic lettering scheme on #568 was never used in this combination on a South Shore caboose. It is presently used for bunk facilities.