Keep Engine 25 on Track Fundraiser August 16th at the Butte Civic Center

Engine 25 has sat outside the Butte Civic Center for more than half a century almost anonymously.  The engine sits with little fanfare and barely more than the streetlights for illumination and this really is a shame considering its history and ties to the overall growth and development of a young Mining City.

Al Hess is behind an effort to not only restore this historic steam engine but to construct a housing structure to protect Engine 25 and to tell her story.  Plans are for a beautiful, living monument who will not only shine on display but also one beautiful enough to be featured on future "Visit Butte" brochures.  Hess' father, Glen, was the last engineer on Engine 25 and for years gained little traction on restoration efforts, but along with Al's help, looked for every opportunity starting with the purchase of an old steam engine bell, replacing one stolen upon the engine's placement on Harrison Avenue back in the 1950s.  This bell has been restored and is on display in the Civic Center lobby where it is on display, an important first step towards a big goal.

The junior Hess has had much more success with local government and generous sponsors, noting that support from Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher and the Parks and Recreation Department have been crucial as well as financial and trade support from local businesses like Hawe Steel, NorthWestern Energy and also Town Pump who Hess noted opened their very first store adjacent to Engine 25, which can even be seen in some of the company's very first photographs.  The Town Pump Charitable Foundation is currently offering a matching funds program up to $50,000.

While these contributions are generous and go a long way towards completion there is still much more money to be raised and a big fundraiser coming to the Butte Civic Center on Saturday, August 16th from noon until 6pm.  Admission is free and on display will be many different historical and train related displays as well as some cool items up for bid in a live and silent auction.  Some of the items include a framed, autographed Tommy Mellott jersey, a handmade train quilt, artwork by Martha Cooney and Jim Thomason and much more.  Find a more detailed list here.

If you would like to donate an auction item or otherwise or would like further details, please contact Al Hess at 406-465-9482.