Abraham Lincoln Lillibridge, an engineering professor at Idaho State College, started his career as a mechanical apprentice with the Oregon Shortline Railroad. His intertest in trains continued throughout his life and led to his advocacy for the preservation of locomotives. As World War II commenced, the metal from locomotives was used to aid the war effort, including the locomotive on campus. Prior to the train being scrapped, Lillibridge was able to save its whistle. It was moved to the top of the heating plant and used during football games after every Bengal touchdown.
