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Class of ‘39

Class of ’39 Caboose

One of the most beloved icons of the SC Botanical Garden is the Class of ’39 Caboose. Since it was placed in the Garden in the early 1970’s, it has been a steady sentinel, but rarely open to the public. Thanks in part to a second generation of members of the Class of ’39, the caboose is newly cleaned, painted, and ready for its closeup. The first public tours of the caboose were given in March and April 2024, and adults and children alike were captivated by the history and stories captured in the caboose. A corps of volunteers from the Class is serving as docents so that the caboose can be open on the same schedule as the other structures in the Garden. Watch the schedule of openings and plan your visit!

Class of '39 Caboose
group of men speaking while touring the inside of the Class of '39 caboose
Class of '39 caboose reception center sign with guestbook
Class of '39 caboose as seen from the main entrance

Caboose Open Houses

We host regular open houses at the Caboose, staffed by members of the Class of '39 who serve as knowledgeable docents. These open houses have become a favorite for visitors and offer a unique opportunity to explore the space and learn more about its history.

Open houses are held on the last Saturday of the month during January-May and September-November, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.