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The handsome brick
depot in Downs was built for $16,200 in 1917
after the town's original wooden depot burned on
November 15, 1916. |
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The Downs Historic
Railroad Foundation, as part of the Downs
Historical Society, has received a substantial
grant to restore the depot and work began in the
spring of 2002. |
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For more
information, |
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visit the |
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Railroad Town |
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web site. |
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The depot is located
on east Railroad Street |
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just east of
Railroad Park with its |
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impressive gazebo. |
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Hopes for the depot include: |
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-Restoration of the
original tile roof - Done! |
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-Painting of all the
exterior trim - Done! |
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-New restrooms |
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-Heating/air
conditioning - Done! |
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-Interior carpet |
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-Completion of room
for Downs Historical Society records |
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-A meeting room for
use by local groups |
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-Restoration of
brick walkway and lights from Main Street to
depot |
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>The Downs depot, restored, has been used as a Kansas Storytelling
site and was visited by the Kansas Explorers Club (at right)
during the spring of 2001. Interest in the depot continues
to grow and the Historical Railroad Foundation is inspired
by the enthusiasm. |
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>This diesel train,
purchased and painted by Doug Brush, has found its home just
east of the depot where it is an impressive sight for
visitors to Downs. |
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<For two consecutive years,
the Historical Railroad Foundation hosted a "Fun" Raiser to
raise money for the depot restoration. Here the Depot
Quartet entertains while people bid on silent auction items
and eat popcorn and cookies. This year, almost $8,000 was
raised from the event.
Members of the
quartet are, from left, Doug Brush, Elton Koops, Dave Hardy
and Carl Warner. Larry Yost sang with the group this year. |
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>Members of the Historical
Railroad Foundation receive grant advice before applying for
a substantial grant they received to restore the depot in
Downs. |
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