West Nassau Historical Society marks 20th Anniversary of first restoration of historic Callahan depot

West Nassau Historical Society marks 20^th Anniversary of first restoration of historic Callahan depot

The West Nassau Historical Society will mark the 20th anniversary of the first restoration project of the 1880s era train station with a celebration on Saturday, November 15th, between 10 AM and 4 PM at the Callahan Depot.

The festivities will begin at 10 AM with a recognition ceremony where the Society will acknowledge those who in 1988 helped realized a dream of returning the depot to its former glory. Plaques honoring Jan Johannes and the late Louise Driggers will be placed inside the station as a testament to their devotion in preserving the rich history of Nassau County. Bill Sistare, who generously donated to the group his personal railroad collection that will be on display inside the depot, will also be honored.

After the ceremony, Historical Society members will host a fund raising spaghetti dinner while Liz Mobley will coordinate a live music program from the front deck from noon to 4 PM. Several organizations that provide a vital community service will be on the grounds at the gathering, including the Bloodmobile, the Florida FLOWmobile and the Sheriff’s Child ID program.

Inside the station, the Society will exhibit Sistare’s railroad memorabilia as well as old photographs and artifacts depicting the history of western Nassau County. The depot library will feature art work from West Nassau High School students plus many old area maps collected by the Society throughout the years.

It was over twenty years ago that many people and groups throughout the community banded together to save the depot. The station was moved from Ewing Park to its present location on Dixie Avenue where it underwent an extensive year long makeover. Their hard work resulted in a finely renovated depot that is in the care of the West Nassau Historical Society, a not for profit group dedicated not only to the maintenance of the 126 year old station but to preserving and archiving our County’s diverse history.

Today the Society has been busy painting, repairing and converting the main rooms into exhibition areas to house artifacts and they are in search of many items to display inside the depot.

If you have any items or photos of historic value that you like to donate to the Historical Society or would like more info on the celebration, call John Hendricks at 904-879-3406.