Wooden baggage carts would have been a regular sight for railroad travelers in the late 19th through 20th century. These sturdy, hand-pulled wagons were used to transport luggage and freight between boxcars and the freight house, or to the station where travelers waited to collect their belongings. Baggage carts would have been readily available outside the station.

Help us save this vintage baggage cart

Chatham Village Historical Society is fortunate to have been gifted a Burlington baggage cart by Fred Freidel from the former Driftwood Railroad Museum. Due to age, the cart’s condition is rapidly degrading. We humbly ask the community to support our efforts in restoring this piece of Chatham’s railroad history to its original condition.

Once restored, the cart will be used in displays at historical society events as well as the annual Columbia County Fair. Hands-on learning is an important part of education, and we believe that having this extant cart available for the public to see and touch will prove a valuable asset to our efforts in educating on Chatham’s notable railroad history.

A full restoration performed by a qualified and experienced local restorer would cost just under $3,500.

Any donation, no matter how small, helps move us towards this goal. Sponsorship levels Silver ($100), Gold ($250), and Platinum ($500) or above will be honored with a permanent acknowledgment on our website, and will be acknowledged appropriately on or in conjunction with displays of the restored cart.

Please email chathamNYhistory@gmail.com with any questions.

Visit Baggage Cart to learn more about the baggage cart and our efforts.

~ Ilana, on behalf of Chatham Village Historical Society