2017
We received tremendous support from various community groups, businesses, and volunteers in the form of labor, donations, and material. This support allowed for the following accomplishments in 2017.
- Replaced missing/damaged slate (over 1,100 pieces were donated)
- Replaced damaged roof sheeting
- Replaced eaves/overhang on back of station (completely deteriorated); restored using original mortise and Tenon technique
- Replaced deteriorated wood on the outside of station
- Reconstructed roofed sheltered area on the outside of station
- Replaced broken window glass
- Replaced 2 windows that were completely deteriorated
- Installed temporary electric
- Installed temporary water
- Graded and installed tees and rails
- In June, received a 1969 Southern Railroad Caboose
- Collected over 1,000 star brick for station floor use
- Received donated ties and rails
- America in Bloom judge visited the station at their fall conference in the Gallipolis evaluation
- The station was cited for the work completed and especially for the board's enthusiasm
- In November, the first general membership meeting was held
- Late November, the board submitted a funding request to the Ohio General Assembly
- Nearly 40 gallons of paint (in C&O's colors) was applied to the station
- During the summers of 2016 & 2017, when workers were present, an average of 10 people stopped to see the station and caboose each week
2018
As a result of receiving a $125,000 grant from the Ohio General Assembly (submitted in 2017), by mid-August drawings were completed by Randy Breech. He gracefully donated the plans at no charge. This included electrical, insulation, heating and cooling, and bathrooms. Once costs are submitted by local contractors, our budget for the $125,000 will be submitted to the State Facilities Commission.
- Outside wood replacement continues
- Bids for other services are to be obtained
- Freight areas have been power washed
- Treated the station as a precautionary measure for infestation
- Additional track has been laid for a 1945 boilerless Porter Steam Engine to arrive in August
- In the Spring, over 250 school students toured the station and caboose
- Laying of additional track and making arrangements for the arrival of a former stainless steel 1949 Pennsylvania sleeper (last owned by Barnum & Bailey Circus) will soon occur
2019
With heating installed, hopefully work can continue in the station during the winter to:
- Install appropriate alarm and fire suppression systems
- Replace freight area floor with star brick
- Cover freight area walls/roof area with matching wood
- Restore the office to its 1901 status with working telegraph
- Install railroad memorabilia display areas/cases
- Provide for model train displays
- Restore the caboose to original Southern State colors
- Begin to restore the passenger car for educational purposes
- Partner with Bossard Memorial Library for a local railroad history event
- Host model railroaders from Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia summer meeting
- Partner with Gallia County's Convention Center's Passport Program
Goals for 2019 and Beyond...
- Install outside public restrooms and picnic areas
- Make areas available for small stand vendors and possible farmer's market place
- Develop railroad item shop
- Restore outside dock areas with star brick or age-appropriate brick
- Obtain property adjacent to the station for expansion
- Work with O.O. McIntyre Hike & Bike Trail (properties border the station)
- Work with the local convention center to make the museum as a stop on their local tours of historical places in the area
- Build educational programs for our area schools
- Work toward placement on the National Historic Register
- Provide other services the community may request
- Increase rolling stock in the rail yard
- Establish an endowment fund, allowing the station to be an ongoing museum, educational, and cultural center for generations to come