‘Old No. 19’: Historical Society shares story of century-old train

TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk Area Historical Society’s museums are now open for the summer, but there is also a local attraction that can be visited year-round.

“Old No. 19,” a Mogul Type 2-6-0 locomotive, is on display in Washington Park in Tomahawk.

The Historical Society explained that the train was built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1924. In 1947, Marinette, Tomahawk and Western (MT&W) purchased the locomotive from the Yawkey-Bissell Lumber Company in White Lake.

In the wake of diesel and electric locomotives replacing their steam-powered counterparts, the MT&W donated No. 19 to the City of Tomahawk in 1959. The train was displayed at the intersection of 4^th St. and River St., the current Dairy Queen location, for many years.

As the train sat idle, the Historical Society said, rust and neglect took their toll, and in 1988, the organization launched a fundraising project called “Save the Engine.” Asbestos was removed from the boiler, and the train received a new paint job.

After the City of Tomahawk Common Council gave the thumbs up, the locomotive was moved to its current location in Feb. 1990. Heavy machinery and skids were utilized to get the job done.

“Further projects, including adding a roof, have ensured that Old No. 19, now 102 years old, will endure for generations,” the Historical Society said.