By Austin Mace - HHTC Cofounder and President
2021 marks another year of significant progress for the Hoosier Heartland Trolley Company, being one of the most productive working seasons for our organization to date. We’d like to extend our sincerest “thank you” to our volunteers, donors and the community for continued support, as we further our mission of preserving and telling the story of Indiana’s rich electric railroad history. We believe that our story of community, industrial innovation and connecting people with places is relevant now more than ever, and means so much to us that the story of the Indiana interurban is resonating with so many of you.
Despite the disruptions and hardships brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic, with your continued support, we have been able to steadily and safely make progress on many organization-wide and project-level goals - setting our organization up for sustained success in 2022.
Patreon - A New Way to Support HHTC
https://www.patreon.com/hoosiertrolley
At the beginning of the year, we introduced a new way for fans and supporters to contribute to our success with the introduction of our Patreon page. Patreon is a platform that allows for fans of creative and educational initiatives to contribute on a monthly recurring basis similar to a Netflix or Spotify subscription. In exchange, we have been creating exclusive content, merchandise and community events for members as a reward. While still relatively new, our Patreon sustaining members have already made a massive positive impact on our operations. The predictable, monthly contributions have enabled us to invest in longer term projects, accrue for larger expenditures (such as car moving costs), and cover the mundane yet essential overhead costs associated with railroad preservation.
While we still depend on funding sources such as grants and one-time contributions, our Patreon is the easiest way for individuals to make a positive impact for just a nominal contribution. We invite you to become our next sustaining Patreon member to enjoy our exclusive content and perks.
Donation of Singer Sewing Machine No. 1
In September, we graciously and enthusiastically took possession of one of General Electric’s earliest-constructed locomotives, designed for use at Singer’s South Bend cabinetry factory. Singer No. 1. was in service at the South Bend plant until 1955 when it was purchased by Robert Selle for preservation. After moving to Florida, Selle sold the locomotive to fellow Purdue classmate David Peat, who then loaned it to the Indiana Transportation Museum to be displayed until 2018. After David Peat’s passing in 2020, HHTC approached the Peat Family regarding donation of the locomotive. The Peat family is excited to the locomotive live on in a preservation environment, and our Board of Directors recognizes and appreciates the family’s generosity. We also would like to thank Schlatter Boys Transport for a successful move, ensuring that this one-of-a-kind artifact was relocated with relative ease. More about Singer No. 1 can be found in our announcement.
Completion of the Indiana Historical Society’s Heritage Support Grant
We celebrated the completion of our first Heritage Support Grant provided by the Indiana Historical Society and made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc. After nearly 1,000 volunteer hours and $9,000 in grants in contributions, key mechanical components were restored, rewired and re-engineered like new and affixed onto the underside of Indiana Union Traction No. 429. This includes key operating equipment such as an air compressor, group switch and a number of other critical components. A sincere “thank you” to our dedicated volunteers for making this possible, and for the generous financial contributions that made this project possible. With this accomplishment, interurban no. 429 is evermore closer to once again gracing the Indiana landscape.
The group switch is shown as final tweaks and alignments are made before mounting is finished. The group switch is roughly similar to a transmission, in that it regulates the direction and acceleration of the interurban.
Hoosier Trolley Electric Brews Winter Event
Tickets are now on sale for our Electric Brews winter event. Get your tickets and spark the life of the party with an electrifying outing at Grand Junction Brewing Co. in Westfield. Alongside your favorite craft beer, Trolley Joe’s Electric Blend coffee, or hot apple cider, savor appetizers and enjoy the social atmosphere. Delectable desserts from the famous Taylor’s Bakery will also be available to liven up the evening.
The HHTC Company Store will have shockingly-soft apparel, Trolley Joe’s Electric Blend coffee, and other swag available for purchase. Find a unique holiday gift or stocking stuffer!
Spark Imagination within future generations and book your tickets, today.
Advance ticket purchase required! Tickets are $40 ea.
Permanent Location & Railroad
We have made measured progress in finding a permanent home from which to operate and base ourselves to coincide with the completion of interurban No. 429 “Noblesville”. While the confidentiality of these conversations prohibit us from saying too much at this time, we are excited and encouraged that city and business leaders around the state see the economic, community placemaking, educational and historical value of having us establish ourselves and add value. This is a reflection of our impact and progress, as our budding organization continues to grow. The interurban story is Indiana’s story, and we cannot wait to have a place to call home for the public to enjoy this immersive, time travel experience.
What’s next in 2022?
As we close out this year and look towards 2022, expect to see continued significant progress on the mechanical restoration of Indiana Union Traction No. 429, our primary restoration effort. We are now setting our sights on the restoration of the wheels, motors, and trucks as well as the continued refurbishment of the interior. You can also expect to see us out and present at more events throughout the community, sharing the story of the Indiana interurban.
None of the progress this year would have been possible without the support of our donors, volunteers and members of the community. Despite the amazing amount of progress made this year, next year is shaping up to be a tall order with the amount of heavy, mechanical restoration work required to stay on track. There are a number of ways you can help us keep on schedule:
Join our Patreon as one of our newest sustaining members. Memberships start at just $3/mo and come with rewards and benefits!
Attend our Electric Brews Winter Event on November 19th.
Shop using Amazon Smile and choosing “Hoosier Heartland Trolley Company” as your beneficiary for this holiday shopping season.
Buy awesome swag for yourself, friends and loved ones this holiday season.
Feed your coffee addiction (and us) by picking up some Trolley Joe’s Electric Blend.
Donate a one-time, monthly or quarterly lump sum donation to our General or “Electrify 429” Restoration fund.
Amplify our message by sharing this, and other posts of ours on social media, and, with your friends and family.