BUCYRUS — Saturday marked a day 15 years in the making for the Bucyrus Depot.
The historic Toledo and Ohio Central passenger station on Rensselaer Street was opened to the public as part of a dedication celebration of the completion of its restoration. Dozens of citizens enjoyed the intricate woodwork, stained glass windows and large fireplaces of the station, along with music provided by several community groups.
The restoration was possible through a combination of grant money, contributions from the public and volunteer work, said Dave Pirnstill, president of the Bucyrus Preservation Society.
The station was built in 1892 and was about ready to be torn down in 2002, Pirnstill said, but the Society thought this piece of Bucyrus history deserved to be saved, and throughout the years hundreds of people contributed their time and efforts to rebuilding and rehabbing the old passenger station.
Overall, about $300,000 was put into the project, which will now become a museum for the history of transportation and industry in Bucyrus.
On the property is another small building that now serves as a gift shop that was moved from Plymouth Street.
“Everybody pitched in and did what they could do,” Pirnstill said.
However, he said, the Preservation Society is still raising funds to help the station become a location for many activities for Bucyrus residents to enjoy. Engraved paver bricks will be placed in the walkway around the station as more people purchase them.
