The restored Ironton Railroad Caboose No. 6 will be the centerpiece of a dedication program Saturday, June 1, which also is National Trails Day.

For years, the caboose has been located in the Whitehall Parkway, off South Church Street.

The Ironton Rail Trail Oversight Commission took on the task not only of raising the funding to restore the caboose but also moving it to a more ideal location – near the IRT trailhead in Stiles, off West Coplay Road, Chestnut and Ruch streets in Whitehall.

The big move took place last July.

The IRT Oversight Commission is working on plans for the dedication program. Nine major contributors to the restoration project have been invited to attend the program, which will include several events for the day.

Even after its move, the IRT Oversight Commission has continued to make finishing touches to the restored caboose.

A new window was installed, for example, and a missing coupler was added.

Local artist Bob McFetridge will paint the letters on the caboose over the next several weeks.

The commission is also working on restoring a new metal roof to an old railroad car along the trail section that passes through the Whitehall Parkway.

And in Coplay, the possible restoration of a deteriorating boxcar near the General Supply Company. north of the Coplay-Northampton Bridge, is being discussed. The car also may move to a different site.

The IRT Oversight Commission also will have its annual 10K Run/Walk May 19.

The event is a major fundraiser for the volunteer organization.