DARLINGTON — Beside the 1937 Milwaukee Road Caboose at the Darlington Depot, is a new red brick patio recently installed by Green Thumb Landscaping. The patio not only creates a clean attractive space where folks can gather near the campground and the ATV Trail, it is a fundraiser to support the Lafayette County Historical and Genealogy Society (LCHGS) which owns and operates the Depot and Caboose.

Any person, business or organization can have a brick engraved to their instructions (with the space limitation of 13 spaces each and 2 lines of type), for a fee of $50 sent to LCHGS. It’s a great way to show support for a non-profit organization that provides two museums, and the restored railcar for the public to enjoy free of charge.

The Society was formed in 1981 and occupies the Darlington Carnegie Library Building as museum and archives in addition to the Depot. Operating expenses are paid by a combination of member dues, donations, fundraisers, and grants. Purchase, installation and restoration of the caboose has put sufficient strain on resources to underscore the need to raise funds to complete these projects and sustain LCHGS in the future.

People that have already ordered an engraved brick may find their brick in the first 100 that have been installed. More will be installed in batches of 30 so if a brick is not in the patio yet it will be soon. Engraved bricks are a way to show support for LCHGS, leave a “mark” by a Darlington Landmark, memorialize or honor someone, advertise a business, or make a statement. To place an order, call the Museum at 608-776-8340, stop in the museum, or stop by the patio for an order form, and makes checks payable to LCHGS. For more info call 608-482-2483.