(rshsdepot) Denmark, SC

[I95BERNIEW_@_aol.com]

From The Times and Democrat.
 
Bernie Wagenblast
 
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
Landscaping of Denmark Depot complete, restoration continues

By BETTYLOU R. TERRY | Monday, March 10, 2008 

T&D Correspondent
 
DENMARK -- The vision of transforming the historic Denmark Depot into a  
welcome center and treasure trove of information for travelers on the National  
S.C. Heritage Corridor is closer to becoming reality.
 
The landscaping of the train depot on U.S. 78 in the town has been  completed 
and work on the interior of the old building is progressing.
 
Connie Morris of Driftwood Nursery in Denmark designed the landscape plan,  
and it was implemented by Cut-M-Up Landscape Services of Columbia under the  
direction of Project Manager Steve Hopkins.
 
The former railroad line through Denmark was one of the longest train lines  
in the country at the time it was built, serving passengers and commerce. It 
was  especially beneficial to distribution of agriculture products.
 
The Denmark Depot Restoration Society has been working with the S.C.  
Heritage Corridor and the City of Denmark to complete the vision of developing a  
welcome center at the depot. The structure will house information for visitors  
about the rich characteristics of the community.
 
Currently, the building is open only by request, and meetings must be  
approved by the city and the Restoration Society. As the exhibits inside the  depot 
are expanded, the facility will be open to the public Tuesdays to Sundays  for 
limited hours.
 
Plants and grass with low-maintenance needs were selected for the depot  
landscape, Morris said. In addition, an automatic water system was installed,  
featuring both soaker and aerial irrigation.
 
The landscape plan includes the Palmetto Garden Club's contribution of  
trees. In addition, the club had maintained a wildflower butterfly garden that  has 
been enlarged and reseeded, Hopkins said. Over the years, the Garden Club  
has planted trees in the area on the west side of the depot to remember special  
Denmark residents.
 
The majority of the area around the depot is edged in dwarf nandina.  Eleanor 
Tabor raphio.jpgia, the new Knock Out roses, Gold Mound lantana and  
Confederate abebia, along with Butterscotch Yellow jasmine. Two varieties of  crepe 
myrtle, an October Glory and a Lexis Leyland cypress will add color and  height 
to the area. A birdbath was donated by former Garden Club president  Mimbee 
Baker.
 
A path, formerly used by the community, is maintained with small, smooth,  
light-colored stones, defining the way across the garden from Dogwood Street to  
U.S. 78.
 
A large sign is located on the U.S. 78 side of the Denmark Depot, featuring  
photographs of nearby historic sites, including Voorhees College and the Jim  
Harrison Gallery.
 
In addition to the landscape, work has begun on the interior of the depot  to 
showcase Denmark and its history. A 1902 display case donated by Driftwood  
Nursery has been placed in the main room. Chris West, a master woodworker  
volunteer, has replaced some of the glass in the case and put new legs and a  
bottom shelf on the case.
 
Anyone with railroad memorabilia they would like to loan or to have copies  
made for an exhibit is asked to contact the Denmark Depot Restoration Society 
at  803-793-3381.
 
About 75 engraved bricks have been laid between the Amtrak ticket office  
entrance and the main depot entrance in honor or in memory of family members,  
businesses, former railroad employees and organizations. Betty Davis  
(803-793-5511) and Earline D. Williams (803-793-5586) are taking orders for  bricks for 
$35.
 
T&D Correspondent Bettylou R. Terry can be reached by phone at  803-793-3381. 
Discuss this and other stories online at  TheTandD.com.



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