DALTON, Ga. - A historic passenger rail car once known for its luxurious club car accommodations soon will have a prominent home in Dalton.
This week City Council members voted to accept the gift of an 85-foot stainless steel rail car, the "Crescent City," that will become part of a historic display at the newly restored Freight Depot.
Members also approved $10,000 to match a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia that will be used to move the car.
Jonathan Caylor and Mark Hannah, whose family businesses bought the car from Southern Railway many years ago, made the donation.
One of four built by the Pullman Standard Co., the car was built in 1949 and was part of the Southern Crescent passenger service that ran from New York to New Orleans. Only three cars remain.
The car was known as a club car and was very luxurious, Hannah said.
"It has been here for so long, and because of the history of the railroad in Dalton we want to keep it here," he said.
If fully restored, the car would be valued at $75,000 to $80,000, City Manager Ty Ross said. He said money on hand will cover only the move and outside restoration, but the city hopes eventually to restore the inside, as well.
Moving the car from near the old Crown Cotton Mills building in the south side of town to its new home in downtown Dalton should take place in the next month, Ross said.
The car likely will not be moved in time for Dalton's observation of National Train Day on May 14. The traditional celebration of the day takes place today, but Dalton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Brett Huske said organizers decided to move it this year due to a conflicting event.
Next Saturday also will coincide with the Southeast Garden Railroad Show held May 14 at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center, so attendees can visit both events, Huske said.