September 13, 2018
Lee Fuller
On Sunday, September 16th from 2:00-3:30 pm a meet and greet will be held to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the train depot. All residents were invited to join by Mayor Smith and to enjoy some light snacks and a chance to get to talk to your neighbors. Tours will also be offered as well as a sharing of the history of the Train Depot.
Mayor Johnny L. Smith also granted The Jacksonville Journal an interview to discuss the train Depot and its restoration. He stated that when he first laid eyes on the depot he truly feared it would have to be torn down. He then expressed how glad he was that it could be salvaged as the depot is such an asset to the community, a wonderful location for events, and a nice rest stop for the Chief Ladiga Trail. The Mayor is very proud of the residents of Jacksonville for all their hard work and dedication to bring this great landmark back to life. It is now a permanent attraction for those who want to make a stop while on the trail or for those history enthusiasts that would like to come by and enjoy this amazing piece of Jacksonville.
Another significant part of the restoration that Mayor Smith shared was that 80% of the restoration work was completed by volunteers. Mayor Smith laughed recalling this, because he was sure the volunteers would only last about a week, but they stuck it out for the full two years. In hindsight he acknowledged that he should have known better because Jacksonville residents know how to pull together and support their community.
Another member of the community that was integral to the restoration is Ollie Noles. Mr. Noles will also be at the event to answer questions and to share a DVD he prepared of pictures taken during the work.
Mr. Noles also compiled some history on the Depot which he shared with The Jacksonville Journal. The depot has some reported history of work during the Civil War that is not actually correct. The bed was prepared during the war, but a shortage of iron there were no rails for the bed. The railway was to run through Cave Spring, GA and into Rome and there was a plan to steal rails from a railroad in south Alabama to open this section of rail for the movement of war supplies that was still being moved by wagons. That plan failed so the Jacksonville Train Depot was not completed until Sept 1868, three years after the war was over. The depot operated from 1868 to some time in the early 1980’s. With no trains running anymore, the iron rails were removed and the place left to rot. In early 2008 Dr. Earl Poore, a Chemistry Professor for JSU, Mayor Smith, Mr. Noles, and several other volunteers met at the depot to see if it could be saved. They developed a plan, had the building checked by a civil engineer and they began to work. The DVD tells the story until 09/08/2010.
Mr. Noles coordinated all of the volunteer work, Dr. Poore laid out the work details for each day or over weekends and he organized, contacted and got the right volunteers to do the work needed on those days. Some of the work required professional contractors, like brick laying, but a lot like electrical, carpentry, cleaning, tear out and labor were done by volunteers. A Judge ordered community service for minor offenses and allowed work at the depot to count as hours towards their sentence. Many of the inmates would also volunteer to work at the depot for a chance to get out of the City Jail and help complete this project. Those serving community service were always treated very well and were given a good meal and all the drinks they wanted. It was a fun few years.
Mr. Noles also wanted to mention two specific individuals who helped with this project and cannot attend due to their passing. Dr. Poole passed in November of 2017 and Noxie Taylor passed in July of 2016.
Dr. Poore was the lead manager and volunteer who managed all the contracts, professional work and finances. He was the person who could spend funds and determine which people were to be hired.
Noxie Taylor was a highly skilled woodworker and carpenter who did most of the windows and door trim. Mr. Taylor loved the opportunity to put his craftsmanship into the depot while bringing her back to her full glory.
As you come to the Train depot please take a moment to notice a plaque on the wall at the depot with all the names of volunteers and companies who worked at the depot restoration. There is also a photograph of a before and after of the policeman and the fire. The picture of Chief Ladiga is a copy of the original. The display cabinet was made by Gary Dempsey from wood salvaged from the restoration. The items in the display cabinet were all donated by various people that were involved with the project. The bench in the entrance came from one of the commuter train cars that used to operate in Anniston. The floor is the original 150 year old pine that was painstakingly refinished by the renovation team. We hope you will come out to this event and celebrate Jacksonville’s history and the community spirit that made the restoration possible.
Photo courtesy of Ollie Noles
