Jaekel house is a museum located in the Nigerian Railway Compound, Ebute Metta, Lagos. It was built in 1898. The wall is very strong, made with concrete, bullet cannot easily pass through the wall. It is a museum being run by Legacy. A fee of 1000 naira is being charged for access to the facilities, a tour guide taking you round and explaining the various Items seen, as well as being allowed to take your pictures.
Nigerian Railway has two locomotive: The first is steam(coal and water), the second is: Diesel (Diesel oil).
Some of the artefact I saw and their uses include:
Steam: It runs on connecting rods. It is no longer in use because the smoke causes air pollution.
There is a third locomotive which is electric but it is not yet in use.
Coaches: It is used to carry passengers.
Wagon: It is used to carry load and there are two types, the first type is open and It is used to carry non perishable Items, the second type is called closed because It has a cover on top and It is used to carry perishable Items.
Guard Van: It is located at the end of the train to control the locomotive driver.
Power car: As generator is to our houses, power car is to trains and powers the locomotive; fan, Television, Fridge.
Abturse: Used in drilling holes, the current technology being used is known as electric drilling machine.
Jincrow: Enables the train to turn off a straight road at a bend.
Air Lubricator: pump grease on the bends that train can move freely.
Tran wheel: Used between 1901-1933.
Track for Standard guage: 4:8-wooden slippers.
Track for Narrow guage: 3:6-steel slippers.
Clip: clip slippers to the rail-concrete.
Buffer stop: Safety device to ensure train does not run out of tracks.
Shaunters: Traffic men.
Running shed: When a train is repaired.
Fridge powered by kerosene.
Coal: Lasts longer than charcoal.
Air Alarm: used most likely at site to alert workers of on coming train.
Waiters seat: More than 90 years and still very strong. I sat on it.
Works of the founder an architect, a University of Lagos, graduate.
Token key: Authority given to a driver to move on a track.
Typewriter
Olden days phone of only three numbers (2,4 and 8).
Pictures of past rulers.
Pictures of trains in some part of Nigeria which Include: Bodija, Iwo, Ede, Minna, Gwagwalada, Zaria, Offa, Ilorin, Oshogbo, Kuru, Kafanchan, Lang Langi , Bauchi etc.
Some other Interesting Facts:
- The first Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is in the Nigerian Railway Compound.
- Legacy has taken its members to explore Olumo rock and Epe. It costs 5000 per year to be a member for an Individual and 7000 for a family.
- Maps of various historical site are sold at Legacy for a token of 2500 naira.
- Kingsway store is where Father Christmas started.
- Pictures are allowed outside and on the ground floor but pictures are not allowed upstairs because Legacy helps to store some of Federal government property.
- They are open between 10a.m and 5p.m, Tuesdays to Saturdays. They do not open on Sundays and Mondays.
- Please note that all prices stated above, are as at the time of writing this article and may vary at a later date, please confirm before making a trip.
- If you need Mr. Adewale’s number(the facility manager) at Legacy, please leave a comment with your email and I will send it to you by email. Jaekel house also has a nice garden for picnics, weddings etc. and you can find out more Information on making bookings from Mr. Adewale.
Have you been to Jaekel house before? If yes, what was your experience like? If no, will you love to visit? I will love to hear from you in the comments section.
Click each article to view more comments