Dayton Historic Depot Station Master Sculpture Project
The Dayton Historic Depot provides a tangible link to the town’s historical beginnings. Built in 1881 to serve the Union Pacific Railroad, the Depot provided a necessary means of travel as well as being the home of the many Stationmasters who ran it. In 1976, the Union Pacific Railroad gifted the land and building (now fully restored) to the Dayton Historical Depot Society. As the oldest railroad depot, the Dayton Depot is on the Local, State and National Registers of Historic Places. In Operation for 91 years (until 1972), there was always a Stationmaster living on the second floor of the Depot.
The Dayton Historical Depot Society and the Dayton Development Task Force have joined forces in May 2009 to raise funds for an exciting Dayton community art project. We are planning to place a life-sized bronze sculpture of a Stationmaster on the northeast corner of the Dayton Depot boardwalk. The Stationmaster will be looking down the track for the train with his pocket watch in one hand and a train timetable in the other. He will be wearing an authentic early l900’s uniform patterned after one in the Depot’s collection. Next to his side will be his faithful dog companion sitting atop vintage luggage.
To make this happen, local nationally recognized bronze artist, Keith McMaster will create the piece for Dayton at a hometown cost of $77,000. This price is well below market rates for a life-sized sculpture. Funds will be requested from local private citizens, area foundations, and the Union Pacific Foundation. Our goal is to have all funds secured by July 31, 2010. To date we have raised $36,005+. The Dayton Historical Depot Society is a 501c (3) organization and all donations will be acknowledged via a plaque designed to replicate a vintage railroad schedule.
Dayton Historic Depot
Dayton's
Historic Depot, originally built in 1881 and designed in the
Stick/Eastlake style, it is now the oldest surviving passenger
train station in
the state. The Depot has been beautifully restored and is now a museum.
Revolving exhibits are featured in the upstairs gallery. Located at 222 E.
Commercial Street.
The cost is $5.00 for a very informative guided tour and for gallery exhibits.
WINTER HOURS (November thru April.):
Wednesday thru Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm
SUMMER HOURS (May through October):
Wednesday thru Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, closing for lunch from noon to 1 pm.
For information call 509-382-2026. Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Holidays.