Railroad Days will celebrate history along with completion of Depot expansion
Terry Sharp, a long-time railroad employee and president of the Marquette Historical Society, stands in the bright and spacious addition at the Marquette Depot Museum and Information Center. People can check it out this Saturday, Sept. 21, at the annual Railroad Days event. (Photos by Audrey Posten)
The addition was built on the end of the existing Depot structure and more than doubled the size of the space, allowing for more room to accommodate visitors and a growing collection of historical items and photos.
This “donation train,” created by Gencor, is one of the striking features in the Depot’s new space.
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
When the Marquette Depot Museum and Information Center hosts its annual Railroad Days this Saturday, Sept. 21, the event will not only celebrate the community’s railroad history, but also the completion of the Depot’s long-awaited expansion project.
“We ran out of room probably 15 years ago,” said Terry Sharp, a long-time railroad employee and president of the Marquette Historical Society. “A lot of stuff was not displayed.”
Originally an Old Milwaukee Road freight depot, the building was moved to Marquette from Blue River, Wis., in the late 1990s and opened as the museum in 2000. It features a plethora of railroad artifacts from the Milwaukee Road, Sooline Railroad, I&M Rail Link and Iowa, Chicago and Eastern Railroad, as well as plenty of other Marquette photos and memorabilia.
The facility also operates as a popular tourist information center and gift shop that, in 2018, welcomed 3,000 visitors from 36 states and 18 countries.
But in order to meet the needs of growing attendance and to adequately showcase everything—and carve out an area for any new donations—more space was needed, Sharp stressed.
The city finally gave the go-ahead two years ago, and Matt Construction broke ground on a new addition last September. The over-$230,000 project, which was funded by the city and Marquette Action Club, was built on the end of the existing structure and more than doubled the size of the space. The project also facilitated some much-needed building improvements, including a new roof, new bathrooms, a storage room and updated furnace and air conditioning.
“It’s really nice—all this room,” Sharp said, adding with a smile, “There are still a lot of things in people’s attics. We’re getting donations all the time.”
Depot volunteers began moving items into the space this spring and summer. So far, several display cases filled with railroad artifacts have been relocated, as has the large metal train made by Jim Cowell. Six tables donated by the Action Club line the walls, displaying photos. There’s also a large bench donated in memory of Jim Teaser, a local railroad telegrapher who gave many demonstrations at past Railroad Days events.
“His family donated it,” Sharp said of the touching piece. “I think it’s out of a depot. It was in his collection.”
Looking around the room, Sharp marvels at the lighting that illuminates all the items people have worked hard to preserve.
“I think [the project] really turned out wonderful,” he said. “I hope people take time to enjoy the outcome.”
He admits the space is still a work in progress. The Depot plans to add more display cases this winter, and, eventually, more photos will grace the walls.
“I like the pictures the best,” Sharp shared. “All those pictures from the Marquette book that Cecil Cook used, we can frame those and put them out. It’s just going to take time.”
To help with the purchase of display counters, racks and photo flip boards, the Depot welcomes donations throughout the year. A large metal “donation train,” which was made by Gencor, hangs on one wall of the new addition and will be filled with small plaques recognizing donors. Those interested in making a contribution can learn more—and check out the expansion project—at Railroad Days on Saturday.
The event, which was first held in 2002, will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Little barrel rides for the kids, as well as caricature drawings by local artist John Mundt, will kick off the festivities at 10 a.m. Both activities will run through 2 p.m.
At 11 a.m., members of the Hole in the Sock Gang 1880s street theater group will perform. See who will rob the train this year.
From 1 to 2 p.m., attendees can enjoy stories and remembrances by former railroad employees. At 2 p.m., there will be a presentation on the Bloody Run Flood of 1896.
Throughout the day, food will be provided and served by Marquette American Legion Post #305. A raffle, with many great prizes from local individuals and businesses, will also be held.
“Before, we always rented a tent,” to host the activities, Sharp said. “This year, we don’t need one.”
