Keep the Depot as open pavilion

Some of the planning committees for Marion have been discussing ideas for changing or tearing down the Depot in City Square Park.

The Depot is a monument to Marion's great railroad history. It was built in 1888. One hundred years later, the Depot faced demolition. A citizen group, Depot Pride, was formed. The work was done mostly by volunteers. The roof was removed and placed in the park on a foundation built with concrete blocks and original bricks from the Depot. About 100,000 bricks were cleaned by hand by volunteers. As much of the original building as possible was salvaged. The caboose was added in 1992.

The Depot is listed with the Railroad Historical Society Inc. of Iowa. The inventory forms are completed for the State of Iowa Historical Society, the start for National Registry of Historic Places.

The Depot was built as an open pavilion and should be kept that way. I hope the residents of Marion will not allow city planning committees to alter the structure or tear it down.

Let your opinion be known by contacting the city's Planning Department, Marion City Council or the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

Paul Draper

Depot Pride Member

Marion