Do you remember the story, The Little Engine That Could?  It was a children’s book based on the ideas of optimism and hard work - also known as the “American Dream.”  If you believe in yourself, and you work hard, you can achieve your goals. 

      In the story, other larger locomotives are asked to pull a heavy load over the mountain, but they all refuse with excuses about their schedules, or that the terrain is too steep.  Finally, the smallest “switch engine” is asked to take on the assignment, and he agrees to try.  He puffs along up the mountain saying, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”  When he finally reaches the top and starts down the other side, he says, “I thought I could, I thought I could, I thought I could.”

      This early 1950s story is no coincidence to our Allen County Museum’s story.  Shay Engine 10, which is central to our Phase 2 expansion, was facing demolition in 1953.  Through the efforts of numerous local volunteers, and the generous support of local businessmen, it was saved, restored, and brought to the Allen County Museum.  It sat in an outdoor display garage from 1956 until 2006, when it was moved to a temporary building on the corner of Market and Metcalf Streets.  It was moved to its permanent location inside of the Allen County Museum’s Phase 2 addition in December of 2009.

     The Allen County Historical Society and Museum would like to thank all of you.  Just like the story, you believed in us, and helped to make this dream a reality. 

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUR ABILITY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE!