All Aboard for the ‘Did You Know?’ 2026 Restoration!

CRESCO - Residents of Cresco, Iowa are coming together to preserve a piece of their rich history with the restoration of a unique 101A/Model FP7 diesel electric locomotive. This locomotive, built in LaGrange, Illinois in 1951, holds great significance to the community as it was the first of its kind ever sold to the Milwaukee Road railroad line. Purchased in non-operating condition in 1984, the locomotive was restored to its former glory and donated to the Cresco Park Board in 1985.

   The restoration project is being carried out in three phases. The first phase involved replacing railroad ties and adding rock to the foundation, with work completed recently. The second phase will focus on community fundraising campaigns and sponsorship opportunities throughout the summer. Finally, in the fall, the train will undergo a repaint and full restoration to ensure it shines like new.

   Cresco has a strong connection to trains, with a notable achievement in 1934 when a class from St. Joseph Catholic School won a contest held by the Milwaukee Road to name their new passenger streamline. The winning name, Hiawatha, was chosen and the new streamline was called the Olympian Hiawatha. The railroad even brought the streamline to Cresco for a brief visit in 1936, creating lasting memories for the community.

   At a recent Cresco City Council meeting on June 17, 2026 Dale Lickteig and his son Dean attended in support for using the original blueprints to bring back a historically accurate restoration of the train. Dean said, “The city is known for the train in the park, that’s never changed since its been put there. It’s on the front of the Times and its definately a tourism attraction”.

   Dale Lickteig speaking about being part of the original crew that brought the train to Cresco added, “I’m awful proud of what I’ve done there back in 1985 on July 4th. I’m not the only one, some of the crews gone, passed away. It was a good project and from what I see here is when we start doing something here (in Cresco) is that the money will come and the help will come. I went through it 40 something years ago and I kept those blueprints, I knew someday we were going to need them again. I think it will all work if we can round up the money, a community project is always good. He added, “In fact, we had more help than we had room for up there sometimes. There’s younger people that will see it and they will want to help.” Also jokingly adding, “I’ll be out there again. I’m not crawling up on this thing at my age I tell ya. I’m 75 years old, I know better not to crawl up on stuff, I’ll be an advisor, I’ll be out there.”

   The Cresco Railway Company is leading the charge to keep history on track with the restoration project. Residents and supporters are encouraged to donate at various levels, with commemorative belt buckles available for those who donate at the Caboose level or higher. The Thomson Charitable Foundation and CUSB Bank have also announced a Community Challenge, matching donations up to $125,000 to help reach the project's fundraising goal of $250,000.