Thursday, February 28, 2019

the train depot of Creston Iowa




Creston had been founded as a camp for railroad workers during the westward expansion and its train station, built in 1899, shaped the skyline. A group of residents agitated to save the depot, early members of a preservationist movement that many attribute to outrage over the demolition of New York’s Penn Station in 1963.

Rather than a parking lot, the depot was converted into City Hall and a senior center. The smoking lounge became an art gallery. In the former baggage room, older residents gather for bingo games and pork loin lunches. And in the waiting room, pew-like benches were left in place.

Soon, that waiting room will come full circle and train riders will again begin their journeys at the depot. Amtrak recently signed a contract to lease the space for its passengers and has started renovations.

In 1970 the mayor wanted to demolish the depot and replace it with a parking lot. What a stupid idea

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/us/train-stations-photos-middle-america.html

If you'd like to save a train depot, there are lots for sale, just look at this one in Joplin Missouri:

1 comment:

  1. I agree Jesse, these beautiful land marks should be re-purposed and preserved for future generations. I would also make sure photos of trains would adorn the walls of the station and it's history. Hell, if someone is ambitious enough put together a working Lionel Train, with station, diorama. ;)

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