2008 was another year of accomplishment at Black Butte, we initiated projects that exceeded all of our expectations. It was again a huge group effort. Among the many projects that moved forward during the year:
Most interior rehabilitation work on ex-Great Northern X746 caboose was completed, including a new ceiling, new sub-floor, re-upholstery of interior seats and benches, cabinetry, insulation, interior wall repairs, and the re-installation of a caboose stove.
We acquired two additional historic rail cars, a boxcar and a reefer car, did site preparation, and moved the cars into place. These cars will house a future library/resource center and an art space/gallery.
We proceeded with forest restoration work, removing fire hazards and restoring a more natural and diverse forest to the areas around the compound. A variety of other environmental projects were also initiated.
We experienced a major loss with the unexpected passing of our caretaker “Gonzo” in November. From the beginning he was a central figure at Black Butte and he will be greatly missed by all of us.
Among the many people and organizations who helped us out in 2008 and whom we’d like to thank are: Gonzo (R.I.P!), North Bank Fred (jack of all trades and webmaster), Jacquelyn, Rick and the dog pack, Hobo Lee, Wrong Way Dre, Coffey, “Santa Cruz Trash Orchestra”: Jason, Wes, etc, Broke Toe Rezo, Toby “Flange Squeal”, Kurt, Leonie S, “Billy Gott Craig”, The “Grinch”, Photo Bill, Josh, Quentin and the “Bike Church” in Santa Cruz, CA, Baltimore Red, Shade, Jared, “Polka Madre”, No Doubt Dave, Bob Miller (sound system), Angela, Aralia, Waffle, Roseville Melissa, Crazy Angel, Silver Miner Larry, Kimberly, Dutch, Cat, Sara Rose, Elyss, McKenzie, Chris R, Widerstand, Jeff from the trailer park, Carltons, Matteapolis, local crew from the “Central Oregon and Pacific Railway”, Michael I “Train on Fire”, Vanessa R and Montana from PDX, Swash, Lark and Sam from NYC, Cherry, Erick, Darby & Chevy, Sophie, Dumpy, Trainman Mark, Lily, No Nuts (R.I.P!), Stephanie, Boots, Billy, John and Reggie (“Fat Sack of Bluegrass”), Jeff Forbes and the “McCloud Railway Co”, Dougie, Joey Alone, Derek and “Made For Glory” signs”,” Safe Trails Chris and his buddies, Don, Ian, “Golden West Service”, “Something’s Wrong”, Vanessa S, Molly Molasses, Gnell, Shannon, Meredith, Leann, Bill, Buddy, “Heritage Junction Museum” in McCloud, Jack Flash, Dr. Ed, Cody “the Hub City Kid”, “Black Bear Ranch” crew: Justin, Mouse, Jaxon etc, Eden, Britt, Alex, Potter, Joe, Poio, Josh, Croatian Mike, Holly from Cambodia, Espee Riders Josh, Elvis and his fisherman buddy, Feral, Grace and Pepper, Brakeshoe, C-Line, Amy from “Freewheelin’ Farm”, Nora, Pondscum Matt, Xarik, Keeeth, Bogus Rendition Justin from Maine, Auberry Steve & Linda, “Uncle Pete”, “Weed Arts Council”, Jack Flash, the Bechans, Meg, Z Wooden Spike, Liz, Patrick, Rob Menzies, “Ray’s Market”, “Weed Building Supply”, Valerie, Dave Wall (welding), Max, and, as always, the “Black Butte Dump”. And anyone else we might have missed — let us know who we’ve forgotten to include!