What has been happening at the Depot

 Phase 1 was started this fall and completed in November 2004.What was to be a minor job of stripping and repainting turned out to be a major job. After a day of scraping and stripping it was decided that a more drastic approach was need. Because of the poor shape of the wood, a decision was made to replace the lower boards with new wood.

Once the main structure was uncovered a lot of termite damage was discovered which led to more work. It was decided that this was a good time to blow insulation in the 6" thick walls and wrap with a construction wrap before putting the new siding on.

While the siding was being removed a date, thought to be signed by one of the carpenters who were constructing the Depot, was exposed  The inscription was signed by Willy Poll, Chillicothe IL. 1889  Tue. October 1. Therefore we now think the Depot reconstruction after the fire was about this time.

New wood was primed and painted by the Ladies and the 1st phase section will be painted in 2005 after the treated wood has time to dry. Phase 2 will also start 2005.

   Phase 2 was completed in 2005. The west side from Bagged door North and the North side was reworked. Old wood was removed, exterior was covered with rap and new siding was installed.

The volunteers today were Carl Carr, Jack Gerstner, Gil Jones and Earl Pierce

Pres. Jay Close is on the ladder and Carl Carr is reading the tape for the end cap board.

Board member Suzie Carroll is painting the new Rock Island logo on the South side of the Depot.

The wood that was added in the 1st phase was painted as winter drew near and the following pictures show the Rock Island Depot with its new face lift. This concluded the 2nd phase and hopefully with the help of the volunteers and generous donations from all of the citizens, the 3rd phase will take place.

This Depot was built shortly after the previous depot burned to the ground, August 18, 1889.

Doesn't it look great

While the work was being done on the outside, work was being done in the model train room too.

The layout is receiving new control panels and many other improvements that were greatly needed. Earl Witte, Retired Conductor and Depot sitter looks over at the work.

Cliff Lund watches as Dave Hawkey is making connections on the new panel.

 2007 Projects:

 A new roof will be installed in the coming months when the weather warms up. We were able to replace the old roof because of a generous donation to the Depot Museum for this purpose.

Railroad ties were donated by the Iowa Inter State Railroad and will be put along the rear of the building to enable the skirt to be completed around the Depot. The brick patio will be extended toward the road at the South of the building. Some of the bricks around the building will also be leveled as they have become uneven over the years since they were installed.

 Painting under the eaves and the gable end will also be done when the weather gets a little warmer. This too is a result of another generous donation by a member.

   Any and all donation toward the restoration of the Depot will be greatly appreciated. Please send donations to the Chillicothe Historical Society and specify for Depot Restoration.

Jack Gerstner