Group Looks to Restore Missoula’s Historic ‘Engine 1356′

If you've driven to the end of Missoula's Downtown Higgins Avenue, you've probably noticed the 'Xs' art installation—it's impossible to miss. But have you checked out the historic locomotive engine nearby in front of the old Northern Pacific Depot? It’s been there long before the 'Xs' and is part of both Missoula’s and Montana’s history.

The engine has been there since 1955 and is need of a facelift. There is a group of people who are working hard to make sure that happens. It isn’t easy to accomplish a project like this. The city, Missoula Parks and Recreation, and the 'Friends of Missoula 1356' are all involved.

I spoke with Jeannine Nixon about the project and she has a personal connection to wanting to see the cosmetic restoration of the engine. Nixon's father, Ron V. Nixon, was a railroad photographer, whose work is on display at Montana's Museum of the Rockies. Nixon's father also originally helped get the engine in Missoula, she said. This is a project that means a lot to her, she said:

For me it's partly a family thing, it's a tradition and it's his legacy, I guess. So, for me personally, that's what started it with me. 

The group of people would like to not only see the engine get a cosmetic restoration, but they are hoping for more to happen to the area. Nixon explains:

It's really important preserving the integrity of the engine as an object. We want to make it so it's cool, you know, with lights and signs and maybe some kind of interactive sign for kids. You know with whistle and bells. There's no interpretive signage down there. There's nothing about the history.

For now the project is looking at a cosmetic restoration of the engine. A restoration to get the engine back to working condition would be an expensive and monumental undertaking. Nixon is also working with Mike Seitz, who has a better idea of what it would take for that. For now they want to clean the engine up and bring it back to some of its old glory.

Nixon has also written a children's book about the historic engine, called "The 1356: A Brave Engine", with the proceeds going to help with the restoration project. If you would like to volunteer to help with the project or donate to the restorations, you can learn more and reach out to the group on their website Missoula1356.org. You can email the group at info@missoula1356.org and also reach out by mail: Friends of Missoula 1356, P.O. Box 1356, Missoula, Montana 59806.