Join the South Dayton Depot’s Exciting 150th Anniversary Celebration

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Join the South Dayton Depot’s Exciting 150th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating South Dayton Depot’s 150 Years: A Journey Through History

Historic Train Depot in South Dayton Marks 150th Anniversary

The historic train depot in South Dayton recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, a rare milestone for such structures in modern times. The event, hosted at the beginning of September, featured a variety of old-fashioned activities, including rock painting, kite making, and clothes scrubbing demonstrations, as well as a unique Kentucky Derby hat-making class.

Community Support and Activities

The celebration was supported by the local Fire Department, the American Legion Post, and village trustees. Students from a local piano studio provided serene background music, while the Fire Bells Fireman’s Auxiliary offered hot dogs for sale. Attendees also enjoyed horse and carriage rides through the village, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere.

A Proclamation and Historical Significance

Brian Abram, representing Congressman Nick Langworthy, read a proclamation at the event, further highlighting the depot’s historical importance. Depot Historian Karen Strickland expressed delight at the event’s success despite early weather concerns. She emphasized the significance of the building, noting its restoration required much effort and community support. The continued existence of the depot stands in contrast to many others that have been demolished over the years.

Stories of the Depot

The depot holds a trove of stories, from daily train excursions to Buffalo and poignant narratives like that of a widowed woman who commuted to Buffalo to become a beautician. Furthermore, the depot has been a location for filming notable movies such as “The Natural” and “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” with displays showcasing memorabilia from these films.

Historical Artifacts and Community Engagement

The depot is home to various historical artifacts, including the last station master’s books, forms, and a historic telegraph. Though passenger service ended in 1950, freight trains persist, complemented by excursions from Gowanda. Strickland praised the interest young adults show in the depot’s history and highlighted the role of train excursions in bringing community engagement.

Looking Ahead

The South Dayton Depot committee is eager to continue sharing historical insights, potentially through guest speakers such as the Cherry Creek Historian. Plans are underway to celebrate America’s 250th birthday next year and apply for grants from the Arts Council. Strickland invites everyone to explore the depot and discover its rich history every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 108 West Railroad Street.