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Depot 2020

Brick Markers surrounding the 1878  Historic Freight Depot

In the fall of 2006 community volunteers completed installation of the new metal roof on the depot building. This labor intensive task was coordinated by Dave Evans. His time and effort in organizing this monumental undertaking was truly commendable and greatly appreciated. Although the roof may look complete additional work, including installing a permanent ridge vent, snow guards and gutters, is still needed. 

The contracted work completed during Phase II of the restoration project, which was funded by a federal grant, was repointing and cleaning of the bricks as well as restoration of all windows and doors. This work, which was finished in late 2008, was done by R. G. Friday of Pittsburgh, PA. It resulted in a dramatic improvement in the appearance of the building.

A group of community volunteers again came to our help in the summer of 2009 and the 96 wood roof brackets received a coat of primer and a coat of paint. After years of neglect, most of the wood was bare and very dry which made the painting, at least the primer coat, more time consuming. Columbia Gas made this task much safer and easier for the painters by their donating use of their scaffolding.
 
In September of 2009, Consol Energy generously provided all materials and labor for installation of a french drain needed around the building. The work was done by coal company contractor Katko Ltd. Originally this work had been included as part of Phase II restoration but had to be deleted due to the high cost of the bid. Katko Ltd. also reconstructed an extremely sturdy, temporary entrance ramp into the building as they had to dismantle the prior ramp in order to complete the drain work. The contribution of Consol Energy, which saved us a lot of money, is very much appreciated.
 
A request for an additional federal grant for Phase III was submitted in January 2009 and approved in July 2009. This grant provides funds for reconstruction of the wood loading dock (which is to be handicapped accessible) around the building and repair of the interior floor. A written “Notice To Proceed” was finally received for the project from the funding agency in late September of 2010.. The design phase will be started in the very near future and hopefully this work will begin in the spring of 2011. Plans are also being made to develop the green space around the depot and install the “brick” walkway at about that same time.
 
The Greater Cameron Area Landmarks Commission will continue their efforts to find available grant funds to continue this restoration
work. In most cases, these types of funds require some percentage of “matching” monies. All proceeds from the engraved brick orders goes towards this amount. In addition to the engraved bricks, the Landmarks Commission also has various items, in a range of prices, available for sale. These items have been developed by volunteers to help preserve local history as well as raise funds for the restoration effort. All items are available for sale at Cameron Drug Store. We are grateful for Chuck Okel’s willingness to help sell these. The items also can be ordered and mailed providing postage and handling costs are paid. At times, various fundraising events are also planned to help raise money. Your assistance in support of our fundraising efforts is needed and greatly appreciated.

Although restoration has been somewhat of a struggle, the end result will be a community asset that commemorates and celebrates Cameron’s railroad history.
　
Volunteer Painters

David McConaughey, Christy Rogers, Jim Rogers, Joan Gardner, Morgan Goode, Tucker Conely, Ron Teska, Giulia Mannarino, Dave Evans, Chuck Okel, Joe DiGregorio

Photos Taken July 2009
　

Cameron Depot Progress

After lead paint abatement and completion of tests to determine that the foundation was secure, the roof repair began with an installation of a new metal roof. This was a monumental and labor intensive job undertaken by a group of community volunteers in the fall of 2006. The involvement & contributions of the volunteers is truly commendable. Their time and efforts were greatly appreciated

Photos Taken July 2006- July 2007

Photos courtesy of David Evans and MML Design

Doors and Windows have been added

Additional work that will have to be done to complete the exterior restoration includes rebuilding wood decking around the structure, soldering vent-a-ridge on the roof peak (temporary ridge was installed in the interim), installing snow guard and gutters and painting of wood. More work to be done in the future includes renovating depot interior, landscaping and installing the brick pathway.

The Landmarks commission will continue their efforts to find available grant funds for this work. In most cases, these types of funds require some percentage of Matching monies. The group's various fund raisers and all proceeds from brick orders go towards this matching amount. Your assistance in supporting our fund raising efforts by purchase of a brick is needed and appreciated.

Although restoration has been somewhat of a struggle, the end result will be a community asset that commemorates and celebrates Cameron's history.

Leave your own mark in history, Purchase a "brick" that will pave a path on the green space around the building. Bricks can be engraved with three lines of text up to 18 characters per line. Family groupings can be placed together and a gift card is available if purchased for someone.

Also available is a Railroad Memory Book. This booklet is a compilation of stories and photos from Cameron's railroad era. The booklets, which are an interesting and informative RR memento, are available for sale at the City Building. The cost is only $2.50 (plus postage if mailed).

All proceeds from sale of bricks & booklets benefit depot restoration.