While a small crowd gathered in excitement to watch the city of Fortuna claim its newest prize for Rohner Park last week, Parks and Recreation Director John Crotty was too busy worrying about fingers and toes to take much notice.
Moments after a massive crane set the historic, 14-ton caboose on the back of a big rig that would take the railroad relic to its new home in the park, someone in the crowd asked Crotty if he was having fun yet.
”I'll be having fun when we get this thing in place, and everybody's got 10 fingers and 10 toes,” Crotty replied.
About four hours later, with the caboose in place and every member of his crew intact, Crotty conceded he was finally having a good time.
Individuals who have stepped forward, according to Crotty, include Dennis Wendt, a Fortuna contractor who provided trucks to haul the caboose; Tim Crawley of North Coast Fabricators, who provided a crane to assist with the transporting of the caboose; Rogan Coombs, Harry Pond and Rich Sweet, who assisted with work on the caboose; and Woody Murphy, Alan Burchett, Ron Plies, Bruce Evans, Marcus Brown and the Pacific Lumber Co.
