Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Gulf Wind Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society is hosting their Annual Open House event at the Historical Lloyd Depot on Saturday, July 3, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The Gulf Wind Chapter had to take a year off due to the Pandemic, but their organization is ready to once again begin hosting this open house, called “Depot Day” at the historic train depot.
The Gulf Wind Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society owns the historical building, and is involved with ongoing restoration of the facility and its maintenance. The organization is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of our country's railroad history and heritage.
The Lloyd Depot is truly a valuable historical resource. It was built in 1858, and is the oldest surviving masonry train station in all of Florida, and is one of only two surviving antebellum railroad depots in the state. The Historic Lloyd Depot is included on the national Register of Historic Places, and has a rich past, dating back to a time when the community was a major shipping link for agricultural products from throughout the region.
When the building was closed down and threatened with demolition in 1966, the Jefferson County Historical Association stepped in to preserve the depot. It was transferred to the Gulf Wind Chapter just a few years after that, and they began basic repairs in 1979, rehabilitating the passenger waiting rooms and stationmaster's office for use as the community post office.
During Depot Day, the Gulf Wind Chapter will have exhibits and railroad artifacts on display. At lunchtime, they will fire up the grill and serve a free hot-dog lunch to their guests. This event is free to the public, and they hope to see you there!
For more information about the Gulf Wind Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, or to learn more about their current projects and activities, visit Gulfwindnrhs.org.
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