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(rshsdepot) Denison, TX
From KXII-TV.
You can read the original version and view a video at
_http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/15266421.html_
(http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/15266421.html)
Bernie Wagenblast
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Keeping Railroad Artifacts in Denison
DENISON, TX -- Nowadays trains are used mostly for freight carrying goods
all over the country. More than a century ago, Denison was a major stopping
point on the Katy, the common name for the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, with
a large passenger station.
The artifacts from the bedrock of Texoma history could be in jeopardy.
"The heart of the Katy is in Denison," says David Heyde, President Katy
Railroad historical society.
Beginning in 1872, Denison was known as the ‘Gate City of Texas.’ About
3000 people settled here in about 100 days. Many of the transplants were
railroad employees.
"Lots of people here have ancestors that worked on the railroad and we get
them everyday, saying their grandfather or great grandfather or uncle worked
for the railroad," says Delbert Taylor, museum curator.
The Katy Depot in downtown Denison was a passenger station for many years
until August of 1988. When the Union Pacific Railroad merger took place, the
depot also served as the center of operations. Now it houses the Red River
Railroad Museum.
"It's Denison and this reminds you of your heritage,” says Mayor Robert
Brady. “It reminds you of where you were born. I think anytime you have something
that's this important, we need to do what we can to preserve it,” he says.
The museum houses plenty of artifacts days gone by, including brake men
conductor uniforms, switch locks, maps, pictures, train lanterns, and more.
Now the museum is in jeopardy. The museum is open on an "as needed" basis
only because of staffing and money issues and other Katy enthusiasts want to
move some of the artifacts to their museums. Some in Denison aren't willing to
let this part of their history go easily.
Sunday board members of the Red River Railroad and the Katy Railroad
Historical Society met at the depot to brainstorm ways to raise money and keep the
artifacts right here in Texoma.
"Our first priority is to keep the artifacts and the stuff, the rolling
stocks, the engine and the 401-b in Denison,” says Heyde. “The Katy is a big
part of Denison and we want to keep that stuff here."
They are trying to come up with a way to make sure the Red River Museum gets
the attention and staffing it deserves. Railroad museum workers say there
are ways you can help by volunteering time and money.
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48)
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org
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