This Fall saw the re-opening of two historic train depots, each the focus of substantial restoration and renovation effort – and a third historic depot welcomes visitors for a Christmas celebration on December 2.

After a somewhat troubled past as the community debated the best use for the property for some twenty years, the 1895 B&O Rail Depot in Athens recently opened to the public as an office rental facility. The result seems worth the wait –ceiling heights were maintained, and touches of the original use remain throughout, including fixtures and railroad-related memorabilia. Continuing concerns have been raised about the building’s exterior, however, according to this coverage in the Athens News.

Another B&O Depot – this one in Mount Vernon – opened its doors in October after community donations allowed for the purchase and renovation of the historic 1906/7 building. The result is spectacular, as period spaces were meticulously restored. The building is available for community use, including dinners and meetings. Click here for outstanding coverage of the open house by the Mount Vernon News, which includes a photo essay of the project and a video of a visit by a steam locomotive.

In Bucyrus, the T&OC Depot, the subject of a multi-year restoration project by the Bucyrus Station Association and Bucyrus Preservation Society, will host the second annual Christkindlmark on Sunday, December 2 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. This outdoor German Christmas Market will feature “…festive foods, hot cider, homemade items, the music of choral and instrumental groups from the Bucyrus area churches, plus the warmth of Christmas fires.” For directions, click here.

Photo: Finishing touches put on T&OC Depot renovation, Bucyrus - Bucyrus Preservation Society, used with permission