>Depot Receives Heritage Trust Fund Grant

In February of 2001 the Downs Depot was among five nominated to be on the Historic Preservation Funds grant review list.

On May 21, 2001, the Society was notified they had received a $90,000 grant. It was awarded to be used to repair the tile roof and damaged rafters. It also would be used to repair the wainscot and office floor, prime and paint exterior wood surfaces and install public restrooms needed for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Dr. Carl Magnuson of the Historic Preservation office of the State Historical Society has been most helpful in advising the committee on the processes involved in using the grant monies. Doug Brush is to oversee the renovation. The roof repair is scheduled to begin in May 2002.

Elton Koops, Depot Foundation Chairman, built a podium for future programs to be held at the Depot. It is made of walnut from the Columbia, MO, farm of Bruce Florea, a 1940 DHS graduate.

Harold Frazell, another graduate and brother of JoAnn McMichael, made a gavel to match the podium.

The Downs Depot was one of the sites used to enjoy the Kansas Storytelling Festival in April of 2001. Downs Historical Society members taking part, along with Carl Warner, were Elton and Joyce Koops, Darrel Miller and Doug Brush.

A quartet sang a variety of railroading songs and railroading stories were shared with the audiences.

This past November word was received that the Downs Depot is officially on the National Historic Registry. What a significant honor!

The Downs Historical Society held its second fund raiser/silent auction Saturday, November 3, 2001, at the all-purpose room of Downs High School. The program, entitled "Chapel Car Evangel", honored twelve chapel cars that followed the railroads west in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

The Evangel aspect of the program was researched by Joyce Koops. Joyce also shared a story with those in attendance. Others providing entertainment were Larry Yost and wife Gerry, Lara Ketter, Carl Warner, Elton Koops, Doug Brush and Darrel Miller.

Youth from the Lutheran Church and members of the Aid Association for Lutherans offered their assistance during the program.

Over $7,300 was raised for the Downs Depot due to some very generous donations.

On May 10, a bus tour of the Grand Expedition of the Solomon Valley made a stop at the Depot. While here they were told about the efforts of the Society and Foundation and the importance of railroads to rural Kansas.

This is the third annual expedition which includes the communities of Stockton, Woodston, Alton, Downs, Osborne and Cawker City.

It is organized by the Kansas Explorers Club, a project of the Kansas Sampler Foundation.

On Friday evening during the Downs Celebration the doors of the Depot were open and some Society members were present with free popcorn and iced tea for those stopping by.

J. Alan Feist, former Downs Mayor, was on hand to debut the kiddie train he built. This was quite a hit with a number of youngsters.

A tourism and "Osborne Hall of Fame" display was located inside the depot coordinated by Representative Laura McClure.

The Depot had a very festive look at Christmas in part due to the decorations they used that originally were placed in the Mini Park which is no longer in existence. A lighted tree at the west end enhanced the look.

Rails were put into place east of the Depot and the diesel engine which was restored by Doug Brush at his own expense was pulled into its display position by John Carl, assisted by three Kyle employees. The placement took three days to complete.