The Depot

We go back to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin today to visit the train depot. I suppose it is natural for someone from the Galesburg area to be interested in trains and train depots given the massive train traffic in this area. I majored in history in college and enjoy when buildings that are no longer used for their original purpose are rehabilitated into a new use. This is the Oconomowoc Depot.

It had been unused for years until a couple converted it into a restaurant and bakery about 20 years ago. The Depot used to be the center of life in Oconomowoc. The wealthy folks from Chicago and Milwaukee used to ride the train, often in their private cars, out to the resort city of Oconomowoc. The town folks would go down to the depot on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon to watch the comings and goings of the rich and famous in their finery. This is the view about 4 blocks from the depot. 



That is beautiful lake Oconomowoc. It is apparent why the rich folks came here to unwind and relax. The weather is lovely in the summer and the townsfolk are cordial.

This old rail car is at the east end of The Depot and is used for Sunday Brunch and private parties. Again a good reuse.

This is a picture of part of the east end of The Depot. It is a stone structure and I draw your attention to the detail along the roof ridge.

A close up ot the detail. They don't build them like they used to.

The covered canopy out front to protect disembarking passengers from the elements. In your mind's eye can you picture the well dressed folks from the 1910's and 1920's arriving for a weekend in the country?

The Depot has the well deserved honor of being on the National Register of Historic Places. When you walk out the front door this is part of your view.

The beautiful building with the clock tower is the Oconomowoc City Hall built in 1886. Do you see yet why I like this town? Beer, cheese, sausage, history, but most importantly friendly folks at every hand.

I would be remiss if I didn't compliment The Depot on their excellent food. Carol and I went Friday evening for the ever present Wisconsin Fish Fry and it was very good. We returned the next morning for breakfast. Again a very good meal. The thing to keep in mind in Wisconsin is that the restaurants continue to feed you like you are a hard working farm hand or heavy working laborer. The meal portions are huge. Carol and I can normally split a meal and still have food left. They then have the nerve to ask if we would like any dessert. While the baked goods at The Depot always look great we have never had room left to sample any.