Purpose: Carried the tools most used by a carpenter. This toolbox was used in the Southern Pacific Railroad roundhouse in San Luis Obispo, and possibly at the depot and freight house, for carpentry repairs and construction.

Original Owner: Southern Pacific Railroad

Builder: Unknown. Most likely constructed by Southern Pacific Railroad. This toolbox predates similar boxes made of metal and has cast iron wheels with curved spokes typical of S.P construction.

History: Wheeled toolboxes assisted carpenters by keeping the most often used small tools close to the work location. Mr. Edmond L. Betts, an S.P. locomotive engineer who worked in the S.L.O. yard 1940-1965, obtained this box from the railroad in 1963. Edmond’s son, Owen Betts, donated it to the Museum.

Second photo shows the carpenters toolbox in use servicing Southern Pacific locomotives at San Luis Obispo in 1937. Look in lower righthand corner of the photo.