Upon arrival at the Depot this morning the anticipation and upbeat feeling was in every corner of the Depot District. This day that had been long awaited, and greatly desired by many who had worked towards it for over 25 years, had all the elements a major event of this magnitude should have.
People had come from all over Wayne County and surrounding areas to see this historical moment in our community.
A Poignant Moment
People like Annie Bilter from Greenville Ohio, seen signing the guest book inside the Depot. A native of Richmond, her father worked in the Depot for 20 years when she was a child. This was a poignant moment for her.
Larry and Diana Crye from New Paris Ohio drove over for the event and talked about how the renovation of the Depot had a far reaching impact on surrounding communities.
And Joyce Trever Turner, author of “Reminiscences of Richmond,” while waiting in line to sign the guest book, told of her new novel coming out called “Dew on the Rose” which is based upon Richmond at the turn of the century and her own mother’s life.
It will be published by I.U. Press.
Strong Ties to the Depot
Many people have strong ties to the Depot themselves, or through their parents when the Depot was open and functioning.
When asked why it was important for him to be here, Jeff Norris said he wanted to see history in the making. He remembers as a boy coming to see the trains up until he was 10 years old and the Depot was closed. A model train enthusiast, he shared that his parents had both ridden the trains from the station.
Linda Nicholson (Turner), a former teacher of Roger Richert said this was an exciting thing to see
and would be a real attribute to the community. When asked if she felt she was an influence on Roger’s life and the way he is today…Linda just laughed.
At 11:00 a.m. Mary Walker was introduced as the emcee of the event. Mary introduced the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and the Color Guard which followed with a 21 gun salute. Bob Witherspoon started the program with a prayer for the community.
Mary spoke for awhile about the two kickoffs taking place–the avenue of flags and the restoration of the Depot. She thanked Roger and his family for their involvement and support for both.
She also mentioned the many other people in the community who, for the past 25 years, had committed their time and efforts to seeing this project finally unfold. People like Sally Hutton who supported this project in her capacity as a board member on two prior organizations including the Richmond Common Council, before becoming Mayor. And many others, some of whom spoke during the Ceremony today. People like speaker Lynn Johnston who is also a 25 year supporter of the renovation of the Depot. As Mary shared in her introduction, Lynn became teary eyed at the recent vote which freed up the initial money for the restoration. For many this has been a long time coming and close to their hearts.
Local Historians: Carolyn Lefevre, Wayne County Historian and Sue King, Richmond Historian, both had interesting information and perspectives of the history of the three different Depots in Richmond. Carolyn shared the story of Buckskin Ben who had designed a train car for his traveling show in 1910, and was from Cambridge City. Steve Martin, historian, also shared the history of the many service men and women who rode the trains from the Depot to fulfill their duties whose last vision of their town may have been the train station.
He and others spoke of the great people who rode the rails into the station like: Soujourner Truth, Wild Bill Hiccock, Joe Dimagio, L. Frank Baum, author of the Wizard of Oz, the Von Trapp Family, Helen Keller and many many others.
Support of his Parents
Roger Richert’s speech was moving as he spoke of the support of his parents. His father who is a military veteran, and his mother who raised six children and even went back to school, both a great inspiration to him. He also expressed gratitude for his daughter Natalie, who he attributed with the work of putting the ceremony together. And his wife, Theresa, whose idea it was initially to take on the project of the Depot.
He took the time to thank Mayor Sally Hutton, who he termed the “best Mayor we’ve ever had,” relaying his experience of her showing up with the street department and she herself picking up trash from the area where he first began his business while he was planting a garden. And he brought little Ben Quinn up to the stage who, after selling lemonade during Lemonade Days, gave his earnings of $32.50 to help rebuild the Depot.
Mostly Roger spoke of the community, their great support and hard work to see this dream realized. He quoted the great architect of the current Depot, Daniel Burnham who said “Make no little plans to stir men’s blood…for they will not be realized.” This is a big plan a huge endeavor and with the support of the community it will be realized.
“Dollar for the Depot”
To be a part of the renovation and support this project , Bob Witherspoon announced the “Dollar for the Depot” jars which will be around the Depot District and other areas in town. You can donate as much or as little as you wish. As Bob said, “We can save the Depot one dollar at a time.”
To mark this historic groundbreaking, Jim Hair teetered above the crowd to mark time with a photograph. This was truly a moment to be remembered forever as a time when the community has come together in excitement and hope for the future.
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