The Depot

For more years than I can begin to count someone has been talking about restoring the railroad depot in Clare, MI. When train buff Larry Lewis and his wife Betty moved in I knew there was someone willing to save such a great piece of my hometown's history. For the past several years Larry has worked tirelessly on getting the Clare Depot restored. Even then sometimes, no matter how many people were working on the project, it seemed like it would never happen.

Then in 2010 The Clare Depot Committee formed –  a partnership between the City of Clare, Mid Michigan Community Action, Clare Depot Preservation, Clare County Arts Council, Clare Area Chamber of Commerce, Clare Downtown Development Authority, Clare Main Street Board, Great Lakes Central Railroad and the Michigan Department of Transportation. It finally looked like the restoration was going to take place.

A few weeks ago Larry came over. He had been in the hospital and they were finally starting to work on the roof of the depot. Larry and Betty have taken pictures right along and now it was going to be too hard for him to go down and shoot some photos of the roof being restored. Would I be willing to shoot some photos for them? You bet! For the last couple of weeks or so I've driven down every couple days to take some photos to show the progression. So far I haven't let Rotator Cuff surgery stop me!

No it isn't finished yet, but I couldn't wait to share. Eventually the depot will be moved to a lot on Fourth Street near Clare Castle and the Clare City Park. The former buildings there have already been demolished. There will be more pics to come as work progresses.

If you want to donate to the restoration you can sponsor a personalized walkway brick for $100 (4"x8") or $200 (8"x8"). For more information or to make a donation in any amount, visit Clare City Hall or online at mmcaa.org. Historic information is also available at mmcaa.org.