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series of programs to keep community
interest levels high, broaden other Brick
Street activities, and grow involvement.”
“All topics would center on the history
of Clinton and the times (1823 to today),”
he continued. “For example, we can host
programs about life on the rails during the
depression, the western expansion of the
U.S., and train songs and folklore.
Additionally, The Clinton Arts Council
donated the money for a four train
(HO scale) display that features the City
of Clinton in 1875 (the Clinton Riot),
1929 (the laying of the brick streets), the
1950s (the heyday of trains), and a seasonal
train (Christmas or 4th of July). Lucky
Osborn is busy building the different
dioramas and this display will provide a
great opportunity for classroom visits and
family time. The 1874 train/diorama is
running, allowing an opportunity to tell
the story of the 1874 Riot and challenging
the children to find various animals/
landmarks within the setting. The train
depot will be the starting place for the
City’s Historical On-Line Tour (HOLT)
- completed in 2018. The goal of HOLT
is to draw people to Clinton, see our 21
historical markers, and spend money
throughout our community.”
“The depot serves as the welcome
center to Olde Towne Clinton, directs
visitors to unique historical locations
throughout Clinton, and showcases our
community’s rich history through railrelated
displays. Clinton’s past includes
incredibly unique people, places and events
which served to add character to our
community, then and now,” explains Hawks.
Hawks has seen how the Olde Towne
Depot has positively impacted the Clinton
community. “Already we have seen how a
better understanding of one’s community
inspires both empathy and pride. As visitors
tour the space, we share information regarding
scenes shown on the model train diorama
and other displays. Visitors hear stories about
Charles Caldwell and the Clinton Riot of
1875. They see photos of Clinton’s historic
depot buildings and learn about life on the
railroad,” said Hawks.
Since opening, the depot has hosted 40
events such as birthday parties, business
retreats and wedding receptions. “The space
here has been used for Main Street Clinton
events such as Just the Girls, volunteer
receptions, and committee meetings. By
hosting these events, nearly 1,600 people
have had a chance to see and appreciate our
unique downtown and the history that
surrounds it,” said Hawks.
Native Clintonian Mallory Berg had her
wedding reception at the depot in August.
“I was so excited when I learned of this spot
as a venue option. We loved the building!
The woodwork inside is gorgeous. We also
loved all of the pictures and historical
information they had,” said Berg.
There are various ongoing events
scheduled at the Olde Towne Depot. One
of these is the monthly children’s reading
which occurs on the first Tuesday of the
month at 3:30 p.m. It is a free event. They
also are in the planning stages for some
upcoming historical events and art exhibits.
“In the future, we hope to host historical
exhibits, dinner theatre productions, art
shows, and more,” said Hawks.
Hawks says most every day at the Olde
Towne Depot looks different. “This week,
you might see us unpacking bikes as Main
Street prepares to roll out its new bike share
program. Back in July, we held a kids’ summer
camp for students and in September, we
hosted a ladies’ day out event. Nearly every
day includes giving a tour of the space and
reminiscing about the railroad with seniors
or watching the model train with an excited
group of kids,” said Hawks.
The four-day summer camp held in July
was for kids who had completed second to
fourth grades. They learned a lot and did a
variety of hands-on activities such as creating
a tunnel book and making a diorama. They
learned about the Transcontinental Railroad
in America, the Chunnel connecting Europe
and France, the Maglev in China, and the
Ghan in Australia.
There are special events going on this
winter at the depot, as well. They will be
selling Christmas trees in late November and
early December and Christmas parade floats
will be available for viewing following the
Christmas parade. They will also be having a
“Polar Express” theme night on December 7
and 8 with pajama party and a showing of the
film. Christmas crafts and train rides will take
place on December 14 and 15.
The Olde Towne Depot is a beautiful
building built with old-fashioned charm to
remind you of a simpler day and time. If you
haven’t been there, you’ll definitely want to
check it out! The Olde Towne Depot is just
another example of a great way the city of
Clinton has provided fun, educational
opportunities and fostered a sense of
community. l
32 • November 2018