Barnesville Depot Featured in Regional Magazine
BARNESVILLE – One of the many visitors at the Barnesville B & O Depot during the recent pumpkin festival was former Barnesville Enterprise editor Cathryn Stanley who now writes features for The Crossroads magazine.
The building and grounds were filled with people over a three-day period, the first time the building was open during the festival in over a decade.
Stanley penned a feature carried in the November edition of the publication titled “Barnesville B & O Depot Preservation on Track”.
In it she outlines the history dating back to the late 80s and early 90s when the community rallied to purchase the building and “actively use it for special events” and as the office for the chamber of commerce.
“Over time, however, the group of volunteers who worked to keep the site active declined as member moved or passed away.”
“The depot’s significance extends beyond its railroad history. It is one of the few preserved passenger depots in the region, valued for both its architectural character and its connection to the people and events that shaped Barnesville,” Stanley writes.
The depot committee was revived two years ago as efforts to deal with the long-deferred work on the historic red tile roof was bolstered by a $75,000 Ohio Capital Bill grant secured by Senator Brian Chavez.
This past summer, the roof work, repairs and replacement of the rotted wooden sofit and facia and repairs to the overhead doors at the John Schradel Farmer’s Market Pavilion involved an investment of $65,000 on the part of the village and over $13,000 from the depot committee.
Up next is raising the money to repoint the dormers and chimney and interior plaster work that the committee is currently securing estimates for.
Tax deductible donations may be made to the Barnesville Community Foundation, P.O. Box 256, Barnesville, OH 43713. Please write “Barnesville Depot” on the memo line. Please reach out by email to barnesvillecommunityfoundation@gmail.com with any questions on donations.
Individuals interested in volunteering for the depot are welcome to join the group for a workday at 10 a.m. this coming Saturday, Nov. 14. Work will focus on sorting through items in storage in the basement. For more information call 202-236-5633.
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The depot will next be open on Saturday, December 5 as part of the Barnesville Chamber’s Christmas in the Ville celebration that includes the Kiwanis Club Ornament Walk.
Returning to Barnesville that morning from 10-Noon will be the popular Little Roaming Railroad that was an instant hit during the pumpkin festival thanks to the generosity of the Belmont County Tourism Council.
Photos and additional information on the depot and the Little Roaming Railroad are posted the group’s Facebook page.
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Free copies of Crossroads magazine are available each month throughout the community including several retail businesses, senior center, retirement homes and the Hutton Memorial Library.
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Disclaimer: The writer is a member of the Barnesville Depot Committee.
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