A historic caboose will eventually be situated on the trailhead by Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard in Lehighton.

On a 6-0 vote, borough council last week accepted the caboose being donated from Reading and Northern Railroad to the borough.

Council’s action came after it heard a presentation from Kathy Henderson, director of economic development, Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation.

Henderson, who is a member of the Lehighton Main Street Steering Committee, said the caboose will be donated to the borough by the railroad.

She added that a local private truck transporter will bring it in from Jim Thorpe.

Henderson said she planned to reach out to the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau to pursue a grant request.

Councilman Ryan Saunders said he was in favor of the concept.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Saunders said.

Councilwoman Lisa Perry asked whether there would be any concern of vandalism.

Henderson said it would be located on the north side of the pavilion, which she believes would be the safest place.

“We want everyone to be safe, but we want to get them here,” Henderson said.

Councilman Donnie Rehrig asked who would be in charge of the liability.

Borough solicitor Jim Nanovic said it would be the borough’s responsibility.

Borough Manager Nicole Beckett noted it figures to be a “long-term project.”

Henderson agreed, and said that Phase 2 would be a while down the road.

“It can be done in phases for sure,” she said. “We can work together on this as it goes.”

Beckett said council can review it this month and come back in May with a preferred destination for the caboose.

“We need dimensions and everything,” Beckett said.

Henderson said the purpose of the initiative is to establish a welcome center that will not only greet people into the area, but also educate students on the role Lehighton played in transportation back in the day.

She added she believes it would be neat to have a facade constructed on the side of the pavilion that’s there now that faces the street to make it look like a reproduction of what the passenger station used to look like.