John Cofield’s Photo of the Week: “Caboose Hill”

One last train car before we walk to campus. When this one rolled into Oxford it never saw the depot but sure is well-remembered by the name it gave the steep grade on Jefferson… Caboose Hill. It was Phillip Bryant’s law practice and a unique Oxford memory. Bryant had quite a remarkable and varied career, starting early.

“After graduating from University High School I joined the Army. There I learned discipline and sensible ways of getting things done. Going to the Army before Ole Miss was good for me as I was able to buckle down and study.” —Phillip Bryant

Then in his freshman year, Bryant up and decided to run for Lafayette County’s spot in the Mississippi Legislature—and won! He’d then go on to complete his undergraduate studies and enroll in Ole Miss Law School, graduating in 1966, while serving in Jackson until 1968.

While the adults were impressed with young Phillip’s early success, nothing compared to the local kids being amazed that Mr. Bryant had been on the popular TV show of the time, “What’s My Line,” in 1973. The answer was “antique railroad transportation” and Steve Allen guessed it.

A practicing attorney, Phillip Bryant was a real railroad history buff as well. In 1971. he bought his caboose for $200.00. He then got a special permit and zoning ordinance, laid the rails himself by hand, had the caboose brought in by truck, painted it bright red, cleaned up the lot and planted greenery, and hung out his shingle.

A man of many talents, Bryant would then branch out into a successful residential and commercial real estate business, in addition to founding and operating Oxford Insulation Company. Then he launched a successful 30-year career in machinery and equipment appraisal and sales. Through it all, he never lost his love of old railroad cabooses and over the years bought or helped relocate over 30 cars.

“Mr. Bryant was one of the nicest, funniest guys I’ve ever met. What a sense of humor he had!” —Mark McElreath

The caboose’s official working name was the Columbus & Greenville #506, pictured here when in active service before finding its way to Oxford. Built for travel, after its Oxford stay the 506 was bought by William Stewart and rolled to its new home in downtown Kosciusko, Mississippi.