Historical caboose vandalized in Xenia, costly repair bill expected

Spray-painted graffiti scrawled on the side of the historical red caboose in Xenia will cost thousands of dollars to repair, said Ronald Goble, president of the Greene County Historical Society.

The vintage, steel-sided, Baltimore & Ohio caboose in the city park at South Detroit Street and South Miami Avenue is on display to the public and can be opened for tours free-of-charge.

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The spray paint used on the train car “ate all the way through the protective coating and down into the base coat,” said Goble, who unlocks the caboose for tours by appointment or on busy days at the park.

“We’ll have to have a professional painter take a look at it,” he said. “It will have to be stripped, sanded and repainted.”

The cost will be significant. Ten years ago the caboose was painted at a cost of $5,000, paid for through a local foundation’s fundraising, Goble said. He said the historical society relies on volunteers and donations and doesn't have a reserve to cover such high costs.

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Goble said the caboose was also hit by vandals last spring, resulting approximately $4,000 of work to replace windows that were busted out.

Xenia Police Detective Matt Miller is investigating the May 12 incident. Other businesses and organizations were reportedly struck the same weekend.

Similar graffiti was found on a wrecked semi-trailer that’s been parked at Moorman’s Towing for about two months, said Moorman’s Towing employee Ryan Arnett.

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“We just don’t see that kind of stuff around here,” Arnett said. “I remember about five years ago we had an issue. They caught those kids doing it. It’s only a matter of time before they catch these (vandals) too.”

If you can help in the investigation, call Det. Miller at (937) 376-7209.

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