ALL ABOARD!

Manufactured in 1883 by the Harlan and Hollingsworth Company of Delaware, this railcar’s parts were shipped around Cape Horn and assembled in Portland, Oregon. Pulled by steam locomotives, it initially served as an Oregon & California (O&C) Railroad passenger car running on the line between Portland and San Francisco.

The Southern Pacific Railroad acquired the car in 1887, later converting it into a combined baggage and coach unit in 1914. It continued in passenger service until 1925, when it was repurposed as a maintenance-of-way car.

In 1935, the railcar was purchased by George Matthew of Glendale, who rented it for housing until 1982. It continued to serve intermittently for maintenance or as housing until Matthew’s heirs donated it in 1997 to the City of Glendale. The city later put the car to use with the Glendale Community Action Response Team (GCART).

In 2012, GCART generously donated the railcar to the Douglas County Museum. Thanks to the dedication of countless volunteers and the support of community donations over the past 14 years, visitors can now step inside this carefully refreshed 1883 railcar to experience its historic charm.

Join Us!

The Douglas County Museum of History & Natural History, Douglas County Commissioners and the Douglas County Museum Foundation are unveiling the Restored 1883 Oregon & California Railcar. The public is invited to celebrate the completion of this remarkable restoration project and experience the historic railcar firsthand. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, visitors can step aboard and tour the restored railcar during the open house. Guests can also explore the entire Douglas County Museum free of charge for this special day only.

As an extra treat, the first 100 children in attendance will receive a special memento commemorating this historic occasion.

Event Details

What: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Open House for our restored 1883 O&C Railroad Railcar Exhibit
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Ribbon Cutting: 10:00 am
Open House: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Douglas County Museum of Natural & Cultural History – Get Directions
Admission: FREE – Open to the Public

For more information, please call the Douglas County Museum of History & Natural History at (541) 957-7007. The Douglas County Museum system is a division of Douglas County Government.

Read the full press release from the Douglas County Public Affairs Office.