H&R Caboose Roost Opens as Vintage Retreat in Madison County

A ribbon cutting ceremony on October 21, 2023, marked the official opening of the H&R Caboose Roost in Madison County. This unique accommodation, now revitalized from what was once deemed a “rust bucket,” offers a vintage home experience under the ownership of Tina and Kenny Bales. The event, organized by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, celebrated the restoration of a historic 1958 Rock Island Caboose that last saw service in 1982.

The caboose, which served with the Terminal Railroad in the greater St. Louis metro area, has an interesting history. It was acquired in around 2018 by Rick Shoemaker, a neighbor of the Bales family, who envisioned transforming it into a home. Unfortunately, Shoemaker passed away in 2021, leaving his dream unrealized. In July 2024, the Bales family purchased the caboose from Rick’s family and embarked on a restoration journey in August 2024.

Tina Bales expressed her passion for the project, stating, “Like Rick, I saw beyond the rust and felt the caboose was a relic worth restoring.” She aims to preserve this piece of history for others to enjoy. The name “H&R Caboose Roost” pays tribute to her father, Harry, an engineer for Terminal Railroad, while the “R” honors Shoemaker’s initial dream.

The interior of the caboose has been thoughtfully designed by Tina, who has over 32 years of experience as a florist. She adorned the space with a fresh coat of white paint, a kitchenette, and vintage railroad artifacts, including a railroad stoplight. The renovation was completed with the help of Edmonds Construction, which played a crucial role in transforming the caboose into a functional retreat.

“The restoration of this caboose has been a joy, a challenge, and a true labor of love,” Tina noted. “I am grateful for my contractors for their patience and countless hours of hard work and dedication to this project.”

The H&R Caboose Roost now stands as a testament to the power of preservation and creativity. Tina hopes visitors will experience the same sense of nostalgia and awe she felt during the restoration process. “I want others to enjoy the quiet beauty of sleeping inside a piece of history brought back to life,” she added.

This unique accommodation not only enriches Madison County’s landscape but also serves as a charming reminder of the region’s rich railroad history. The Bales family invites guests to explore the charm and character of the H&R Caboose Roost, where history and hospitality meet.