Keokuk, IA, celebrates 10-year restoration of 1891 Union Depot
December 2024
Vintage Discoveries
Keokuk, IA, celebrates 10-year restoration of 1891 Union Depot
by Ken Weyand
Back in its day, the massive and ornate Victorian-style depot building built in 1891 was a centerpiece of Keokuk, IA. Then a bustling transportation center, the city boasted five railroads and a steady stream of packet boats plying the Mississippi River.
Over the years, many of the packet lines gave way to railroads, and most of the rail lines gave way to automobiles and trucks. As the years passed, people like my grandfather, who used the Keokuk and Western Railroad for most of his travels, would be forgotten, as would the massive depot building that remained as a crumbling relic.
For the past decade, however, the city of Keokuk and a dedicated group of preservationists have worked to restore the depot. On Nov. 9, they met to celebrate the results of their work. A massive Victorian roof, gleaming tile and stonework, woodwork, ornate chandeliers, and a rare trackside canopy were separate restoration projects. The iron canopy is said to be the only one of its kind in existence.
The depot is available as a venue for parties, reunions and other events. Other possibilities include an Airbnb as a destination for railroad enthusiasts.
A plaque denotes the depot’s National Register status.
The depot features a steep roofline and Victorian embellishments. (Photos by Ken Weyand)
Ken Weyand is the original owner/publisher of Discover Vintage America, founded in July 1973 under the name of Discover North.
Ken Weyand can be contacted at kweyand1@kc.rr.com Ken is self-publishing a series of non-fiction E-books. Go to www.smashwords.com and enter Ken Weyand in the search box.
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