Annual fundraiser picnic held at Clearbrook's restored train depot
Tue, 07/11/2017 - 10:40am
admin
By:
Story and photos submitted by Darlene Sawyer
When the old Soo Line train depot in Clearbrook was threatened to be torn down, several residents of the town decided to take action to save it.
The Soo Line freight train and the passenger train were discontinued in the 1960's. Its rail line was discontinued after nearly 60 years of service to the communities located along its line; that meant relocation or destruction of the depots found at specific locations.
While Gonvick's depot was hauled away to be used as a shed on a rural farm, the Clearbrook depot remained vacant for over 30 years until an interested committee decided to save the structure and restore it.
This meant it would be a costly reconstruction because the building needed a new roof, new siding, new steps, new windows, and a refurnished interior. Eight years ago, in 2009, the committee began planning for the depot's remodeling. They held fundraisers and accepted donations from several organizations to make their dream happen. In 2010, a new roof, siding, windows, wiring, and a new deck were added. The inside was refurbished, too, as they made the living quarters into a habitable place.They were able to save many of the old technology pieces used in the train business such as the telegraph, telephone, typewriter, and furniture. Additional pieces of glassware and hand tools were put on display. It is 'going back in time' to 1910 when the rail line was built by the immigrants and the train crews. The committee has put together some of the history of the Soo Line.
The annual picnic fundraiser for 2017 was held on a lovely, warm evening of July 2nd on the freshly mowed lawn of the depot. The odor of freshly planted flowers filled the evening air. A fun picnic lunch was cooked and served by several volunteers. Servers were Crystal Smith, Jessie Smith, Keenan Smith, Matt and Janice Anderson.
Members of the Depot Restoration committee include Laura Lindgren, Judi Engebretson, Rachel Berger, Bev Berger, Christine Berger, Sharon Lembke, Laura Bagaason, Linda Holm, Susan Sandland, Lois Rydeen, Debbie Johnson, Duane and Betty Johnson. The monies raised from the annual picnic go toward the Depot Restoration Fund.