From left, Lions Club members Lou Karija, Dick Buchanan, Wick Furman and Steve Erway stand in front of the Knox & Kane rail car that is headed to Coudersport to be added to the Arboretum. Community organizations may someday be able to hold meetings in a restored railroad car positioned at the Coudersport Arboretum.

Additional details on the Coudersport Lions Club's plan to bring the car to the park were shared at last week's Chamber of Commerce meeting by local banker Steve Erway, a charter member of the Lions.

Erway credited Lou Karija, a fellow Lion and Coudersport Borough employee, with the perseverance and persuasive skills to acquire the car from the abandoned Knox, Kane and Kinzua Railroad against heavy odds.

Karija first voiced his suggestion to other Lions Club officers, who committed to spending no more than $4,000 for the car during an auction held in McKean County.

However, scrap metal dealers out-bid him and it appeared that the project would be nixed.

Undaunted, Karija approached the successful bidder and turned on the charm. He mentioned the railroad car's historic significance and its potential impact on the small community of Coudersport.

"He didn't want it to be cut up with a torch and gone forever," Erway said. "The passenger car was an important part of our region's history."

Eventually, the buyer caved in and Karija struck a deal for the car on the Lions Club's behalf for a price of $5,000. Gary Buchsen, John Wright and a third donor who asked to remain anonymous supported the plan. Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce also contributed.

Next challenge is to move the car on U.S. Rt. 6 from Kane to Coudersport. This will also involve some expense and coordination. The Lions are hoping to garner support from Sen. Joe Scarnati and Rep. Martin Causer to acquire a state grant to help cover the cost.

Lions Club members will pitch in to clean and paint the car, while working on landscaping at the northeast corner of the Arboretum, behind the Coudersport Service Center.

Erway said the club will likely take out a portion of the seating to make space for a meeting room. Exhibits could be added to highlight the area's railroad heritage and other local historical themes.

"If it wasn't for Lou Karija, we wouldn't even be talking about this," Erway said. "He rescued that car from the torches, literally."

The passenger car/museum will complement the caboose that is located at the park's entrance along Rt. 6 and the former Coudersport and Port Allegany Railroad depot, which now houses the borough office and police department.

Knox and Kinzua Railroad suspended operations and sold most of its inventory by auction in the fall.

The arboretum has come to life this year with landscaping and other site work, as well as completion of the Military Honor Roll, sponsored by American Legion Post 192. Sons of the American Legion assisted with some of the site work.

A $10,000 state grant and a $2,000 donation by Sheetz helped to pay for this year's work. Now in its ninth year, the park has 12 benches, 12 lampposts, 16 trees, shrubbery and numerous memorials.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce at 274-8165.