
Engine 25 Parked at Civic Center
Engine 25 Parked at Civic Center
Al Hess and his father began asking Butte chief executives about 10 years ago to see if there was a way BSB could take steps to cover and restore this historic structure. Al's family had personal ties to this Engine as his father was an engineer for Northern pacific in the Mid 1950s and knocked the last fire out of Engine 25 before its retirement from service at NP Railroad to make room for the new era of diesel locomotives. Al's father Glen Hess purchased a steam engine bell 20 years ago, to replace the bell that had been stolen from E25 after its placement near the Butte Civic Center in 1958. After Glens passing his son Al has carried on his dream to cover and restore this steam engine.
Hawe Steel has taken on the design and blueprints for the steel roof system and iron fence design to match the era of the steam engines. Northwestern Energy's Director of Advertising and Creative Services has agreed to help promote and advertise. Ron Davis from our local radio stations has offered his help. Town Pump has been involved as this Icon has been in the background of their first Gas station in Montana and still sits next to one of the oldest Town Pump gas station locations in Butte. Butte Parks and trails has assisted the group by agreeing to help with their 501c3 status and help manage the groups' monies. Butte Chief executive JP Gallagher has attended many meetings, he's given a letter of approval and assisted in the group's first monies toward the project. Bill Melvin, Director of the Butte Civic Center, has offered his help in landscaping the finishing area around the new enclosure and offered space in the Lobby of the Civic center to help promote and display the bell that will eventually be placed a-top Engine 25.
It's possible to donate by using the button below, or send a check to:
Step back in time and explore the powerful beauty of Engine 25. This gallery showcases the intricate details and timeless design of one of Butte's last great locomotives, a symbol of innovation and strength from a bygone era. Each photo captures the history and craftsmanship that Engine 25 embodies, offering a glimpse into the past that continues to inspire us today.
Engine 25 Parked at Civic Center
This summer the engine will be ...
Local Jaycees spit-shine the engine ...
Historical Information about the "Big Hill Hog"
Your support can make a real difference to the Engine 25 Project! By donating, you are helping us bring back a piece of true Butte history. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to our goal. Please donate on the Butte Parks and Trails Foundation website by writing "The Engine 25 Restoration Project" in the comment box.
Below you'll find more intersting articles and stories about the history of Engine 25.
Full Steam Ahead: Effort Underway to Restore Butte's Historic Engine 25 | An Article from the Butte Weekly, February 12, 2025 | |
Engine 25 Letter of Support | A Letter from the Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive J.P. Gallager, January 1, 2025 | |
Great Engine Rots Away | An Article from the Montana Standard, October 22, 2019 | |
Architectural Drawings for a Canopy to Protect Engine 25 | Courtesy of Hawe Steel, June 28, 2024 | |
Engine 25 Site Plan | Courtesy of Water and Environmental Technologies, July 26, 2024 |