In communities big, small and in-between in Wisconsin, pieces of the past are not always preserved.
Sometimes, things break down and return to the earth from which their materials came, but in Mattoon, the Mattoon Area Historical Society is replicating a long-gone rail depot.
The village once had a rail line that ran through it with freight every day until 1950. Once the era of the outset of the Korean War dawned, the original depot building for the line was left alone, then dismantled and moved to private property. It broke down further, and for years, members of the historical society had thought about either a restoration or replication, and the second only came to fruition very recently.
“For probably two years, we were initially saying, ‘Oh, wouldn’t this be nice,’” Mattoon Area Historical Society President Michael White said. “But then, a few things fell into place. First, we got a site which the village donated to the project, but then we didn’t have the money. So, we started donations, making plans and figuring out what we need. We have a matching grant we are working on, and we just had a fundraiser where we did well, and we raised around $1,500.”
In the wake of the group’s apple festival and craft fair held earlier this month and ongoing receptiveness to donations, more than $30,000 of the $136,000 total has been collected so far. If the society raises an additional $25,000, the anonymous donor furnishing them with a matching grant will kick in another $25,000.
When all is said and done, White wants the spot to educate all. “(Learning) is the primary thing,” he said. “We want to make the replica and furnish it in such a way that inside there will be artifacts in there and some memorabilia. It would be a place for students to observe all the stuff, take a look at it, and maybe some parties or baby showers, too.”
The final project, which recently broke ground, is expected to be finished in 18 months. It is using blueprints from the original structure with modern and long-lasting amenities included.
When asked if it is jarring to make a copy of an item that still (albeit, barely) stands in the area, White said no. The community response has been great.
For Kathleen Zarda, former secretary for the historical society, it is just a joy. “Everyone is thinking this is going to be kind of neat,” Zarda said.
Those looking to donate in support of the project can contact the society by email at mattoonarchive@gmail.com or phone at 715-489-3647.
evan.pretzer@yahoo.com