GRATIOT — The first meeting of the Gratiot Depot Restoration Committee was held on Thursday, Oct. 17 at the Gratiot Community Center, also known as the former Black Hawk Middle School building.
Jean Anschutz, Gratiot, led the discussion, with Nancy Winslow of Darlington assisting. Approximately a dozen people were in attendance, some with historical interest, while others arrived with an interest to volunteer.
In addition, there were two anonymous financial donations that were secured. More money is needed to complete the overall project.
Discussions ranged from roof repair, power wash sprayers, paint colors — for both the building structure and the roof — as well as a discussion of the purpose of the Gratiot Depot once it is restored.
It was decided that Rocky Ridge Construction, located just outside of Gratiot, will be hired to replace the roof. The roof was last repaired in 2004.
It was important to the group that the construction work should be done locally, as to establish a good working relationship, for both now and in the future. The reviews of the work done by the construction group have been good so far. Plans are to move ahead with securing Rocky Ridge Construction to do the work.
“We have the down payment for the roof,” Anschutz said.
During the discussion, the amount that was left in an account from the previous restoration group was disclosed as a starting point, with just enough to make the down payment on the new roof project. The decision was unanimous. If the weather cooperates, the new roof could be completed by the end of this year, otherwise next spring is the projected time frame for the roof’s completion.
The current plan for the exterior is to power wash and repaint sometime in the future. The interior will be cleaned.
Possible future uses will be discussed at an upcoming meeting.
Those in attendance shared memories of train track placement and the possible previous location of the Gratiot Depot. Any historian that can remember a different placement of the depot is encouraged to share that information, as plaques and historical markers were also discussed.
Once restored, the image of the Gratiot Depot in the community and the attention it brings could impact tourism. Most meeting attendees seemed to enjoy sharing the same memories of the Gratiot Depot and expressed interest in seeing it taken care of with the necessary repairs for possible future use.
Originally constructed in 1904, the Gratiot Depot was a major junction for four main area railroad lines. During that time — when the railroad was more widely utilized — trains would stop and refuel in Gratiot with coal and water. The fresh fuel was essential for trains to operate efficiently, especially with the many miles of train tracks that were between stops. Gratiot was connected to the same railroad line as Darlington and Shullsburg. Milwaukee Road was the most common 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 memories alive, attendees shared. With new and added interest in its future, the Gratiot Depot could remain one of the biggest pieces of Gratiot and Wisconsin railroad history.
Those interesting in making a financial contribution should mail donations to: The Gratiot Depot, ℅ Jean Anschutz, PO Box 33, Gratiot, WI 53541.
Volunteers and those with historical information are asked to connect with Jean Anschutz on Facebook or by calling 608-482-2010.