RustedRailimages

The old depot was the center of life in many a small rural town. Everyone came down to see who was getting on or off the train.

The post office came to meet the train's RPO cars to send off letters and get the mail from the outside world.

The depot agent was also the telegrapher who sent and received railroad and personal messages. Sometimes good news, but also not sometimes.

Before Amazon and UPS, the Railroad Express Agency (REA) had an office at the depot where you could receive packages from the mail order houses of just about anything.

As roads improved, most of the depots were abandoned or just took on the role of railroad offices. The passenger trains quit coming replaced by the bus or the peronal auto.

Most of the depots are gone now, so when I see one still standing it makes me wonder what stories of the past if could tell if given the chance.

A day late, but Happy Flag Day America.