GRATIOT — Once upon a time, the Gratiot Depot had the only bay-designed exterior ticket window in the region, making it unique to its design and function. A century later, a new restoration committee was formed to save what’s left of the building.
The Gratiot Depot Restoration Committee was formed Thursday, Oct. 3 at the Gratiot Village Board meeting by a group of interested individuals that were in attendance. The regular monthly meeting was held at the community center and former school building.
Among the other items on their agenda, the future of the Gratiot Depot was discussed. Members of the Gratiot community, as well as others that had an interest, voiced their concerns for future of the Gratiot Depot.
Most people at the meeting seemed to share the same memories of the depot and expressed interest in seeing it taken care of with the necessary repairs for possible future use. While in discussion of the repairs, one of the first items on the list was the roof, which had been replaced as recently as 2004. Since that time, the depot has been under the watchful eyes of the Village of Gratiot, but with no real direction, they weighed their options over the years.
Led by a group of volunteers, the Gratiot Depot Restoration Committee is seeking others that may be interested in joining; those whose schedules may have conflicted with the meeting held on Thursday evening. In addition to gaining other enthusiasts, funds are also being sought for the project, which is slated for 2025. Some donations were obtained at the meeting, which was attended by a couple dozen individuals. Other funds are being sought by those individuals who are also interested in restoring the former railroad hub.
Jean Anschutz of Gratiot is leading the group of volunteers. An informational meeting was scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 17. The first meeting will be held in Room 8 in the Gratiot Community Building, known as the former school. The purpose of the meeting is to gather findings on the building structure, connect with individuals willing to help with the project and to secure funds. Some people in the group were making plans to check the roof, while others put their focus on fundraising ideas. Both ideas were progressing the group forward and in the right direction.
Since its build in 1904, the Gratiot Depot was once the major junction for four major area railroad lines, making it essential to be equipped with a water tower and a coaling tower. Connected to the same railroad line as Darlington and Shullsburg, Gratiot was part of four railroad lines, with Milwaukee Road being the most essential throughout the southwest Wisconsin region. As the railroad is no longer operational in the area, keeping the buildings standing for historic purposes is the key to keeping its memory alive. Nestled neatly near Wolf Creek campground, just along the ATV trail, the Gratiot Depot will remain one of the biggest pieces of Gratiot and Wisconsin railroad history.
Those interested who have an interest in the Gratiot Depot, wish to volunteer their services, or plan to make a monetary donation, should connect with Jean Anschutz on Facebook or by calling 608-482-2010.