1928 - Alderson High School - 1968

Newsletter 11- 2002
Tom Roush

The inside of the Depot is almost finished.  The latest Grant from the Transportation Department is being used to install new wiring, lights, air and heat, walls, paint and security system.  Much of the work has been done.  Insulation was installed and the new wallboards are being put up.  There will be a slow down during the winter months but we hope to complete the inside this spring.  The left waiting room was left as it was when renovated in 1957 but had the bathrooms upgraded to be wheelchair accessible.  Also Art Deco lights are being installed and the old benches have been renewed and will be put back in.  The ticket office will be as it was in the 1930’s with long hanging lights and the old pot bellied stove on one side. The waiting room on the right will be as it was in 1896 with sconce lights on the walls to resemble gaslights since they didn’t have electricity at that time.  The wainscot and trim will be terra cotta color with gray walls. On the outside we plan some pole lights in the back all the way to the parking area. 

We can now see the light at the end of the train tunnel.  Main Street had to supply the 20% to obtain the grant of 50 thousand so our funds are very low.  If you would like to join Main Street or make a donation please send it to Alderson Main Street Box 117, Alderson, WV 24910.  Thanks.

"UPDATE"

We have the Depot finished and will have a dedication on July 5th at the Depot.  We don't have too much to put in the Museum but hope people will start coming forward with Railroad and Alderson Memorabilia.  The inside is beautiful. We still have a few cosmetic things to finish on the outside but the inside will be complete by July 5.  Tom Roush
 

Several ladies of Alderson have obtained money for part payment to buy the old Gulf Station beside the Renaissance building near the old bridge.  The plan is to renovate the building and surrounding area for parking and make it a Welcome Station and gift shop.  Brochures would be available and directions for a walking tour across the bridge to the Monroe side to the Depot and other historical sites and the Greenbrier side to historical homes and churches etc. 

Money has been requested for a new walking trail from the Mini Park to the Overlook at the old bridge.  The old path was washed away with the last flood and the new one would be concrete or asphalt with seats and flowers along the way.

 Money has been obtained for a park and overlook on the Monroe side next to the bridge.  We need as many views of the river as possible. 

The Grant for the old bridge restoration has come through from the Governor.  He was in Alderson last month to announce the Grant for Alderson as well as for other areas nearby.  Work should be under way soon to rebuild the walls, which were becoming very dangerous.  This Historic Landmark must be maintained. 

UPDATE:  We already have a restoration under way. The Engineer, Chris Haynes has finished plans and is getting bids. It will cost us about $700,000 and we have to have 20% match. We have grants for about 450,000 and are working on more. Work should begin this winter on demolition of the walls and hopefully new walls will start in the spring. We hope.  We have a lot of new energy here and things are happening.