Annual Meeting Sets New Goals

Saturday March 19, 2011, brought the WIM HPG board together for its annual meeting and the group saw some changes.  For starters, charter board members Tom Burg and Jack Coyner got off the board, along with Brian Magelky, and two new members, Webb French and Paul Kimmell, were added.  During the election of officers, Kendria "Kenny" Cada took over the helm as President, Jack stepped in as Veep, Barb Coyner stayed on as Secretary, and Don Somers retained the challenging duties as Treasurer.  Jim West will serve as Chairman of the Board.  Other board members are Tom Hillebrant and Carl Sonner.

The group reviewed its significant progress at developing the north end of the depot, and discussed upcoming demolition efforts as volunteers from US Bank work on the second floor on April 30.  Board member also want to make the depot more open to the public and many hope to see the Potlatch Historical Society keep some regular hours during the summer.  Don and Jack might hold some train group meetings in the future in keeping with the Palouse Empire Rail Society's past mission.  And the X5 caboose also received its share of attention as it was announced that Poke and Jeanette Montgomery will donate lumber to repair the caboose's deteriorating siding.  The Potlatch Recreation District has chipped in with a generous donation to help restore the caboose, as well.  It is this type of local support that has the HPG moving ahead.

In addition to the meeting, several HPG members went "sidetracking" to check out the trains around Plummer Junction.  The above photo is compliments of Tom Hillebrant, the able editor of the White Pine Quarterly.  Look for more of his photos in the next WPQ.

Storm Windows Tested During Cold Spell

It's been nearly a month since Moscow Glass and Awning installed the new storm windows on the north end of the first floor.  Thanks to a grant from Idaho Heritage Trust, we are one step closer to making the waiting room, ticket office, kitchen area and hallway warmer.  The windows went up January 7 and they are really attractive, adding a protective covering the original wavy glass.  The acid test came last week during the WIM HPG officers' meeting, when Jack Coyner, Brian Magelky, Don Somers and Barb Coyner held court in the waiting room, with outside temperatures hovering around 25 degrees.  The interior temperature stayed right around 66, not exactly cozy, but improving.  If we can upgrade the heating system (thank you Jim West for working on that grant application to Avista!), and add some insulation in the floor, our building will be even more inviting.  Thanks Jack Coyner for writing the successful Idaho Heritage Trust grant and thank you Idaho Heritage Trust for being a valued partner in this restoration project.

New Year, New Challenges



It has been a month since the Blackbird Station vacated the depot, discouraging both the tenants and the HPG about business potential at the site.  Tenants Julie Kerr and Karen Rohn, owners of Blackbird Station, pointed to the lousy economy as reasons to pull the plug after barely six months in operation. 

Yet there is still reason to look ahead to good possibilities for the restored depot, and HPG members are exploring a range of options.  One angle is the continuing discussions on new uses for the old millsite.  Potlatch Corporation shut down the mill 30 years ago this year, and officially wrote the obituary on the sawmill in 1983, dismantling the entire operation.  Yet the huge lumber company is actually talking to a group about potential tenants on the property.  The old millsite is after all one of the largest commercial properties available in the county, and if it is developed, the depot is the prime location for a variety of business uses.  HPG President Jack Coyner is part of the monthly discussion group on the millsite, and Latah County Economic Development head Aimee Shipman is ready to roll on a feasibility study for the grounds.  HPG board member and local banker Kenny Cada has been directly involved in making the selection for the feasibility study contractors.  More information will be available soon. 

Since the depot is no longer hosting a business, the regularly-scheduled bus stop has been moved to Dad's Diner on Highway 95.

Train fans picnic at the Depot

A chance stop at the Depot once again showed how popular our old building is among tourists.  As I drove past, Steve Mims, his wife Caroline Pierson-Mims and her brother John were wandering around on the loading dock, praising the improvements that have happened since Caroline and Steve moved to Idaho in the 1980's. The couple originally lived near Freeze, then moved to Moscow, and both Caroline and Steve continue to work at the nearby universities.  They were clearly well versed in Potlatch history and intended to show John the new and improved depot during his visit from North Carolina. In addition to a great conversation with the three train buffs, it was nice to see them take out their picnic lunch and enjoy the sunshine as they dined on the loading dock.

Another Depot Fan Saves History from Wrecking Ball

Traveling through Logan, Utah, it's hard not to be distracted by the depot restoration project on the south end of town.  Local real estate broker Jed Willets of Cache Heritage Realty has really put some time and money into the depot he rescued from nearby Smithfield.  Not only did he pay to move the building, but he's painstakingly given thought to the new materials he's added to enhance the historic depot, which he says dates from about 1885. In the future, the depot will house his business and another related business.  Jed also hopes to locate a railcar and lighting to add to the overall railroad theme.  It is interesting that out of four railroad depots that once served the Cache Valley, only the Smithfield depot remains.  It's always fun to talk to someone else who appreciates the rich history of railroading in the West, and is willing to invest in saving a historic depot.  We (Barb and Jack) were fortunate to meet Jed while staying at a hotel next door.

BlackBird Station Officially Opens 9-11

BlackBird Station at the Potlatch Depot officially opened its doors for business September 11 amist plenty of flare --and fun.  Pictured from top are "the Palouse Gals," a group who clearly came to enjoy the new shop, the restored depot and a variety of vendors.  Shirley of Buffalo Gals Jewelry set up shop in the freight room, while Potlatch musician Jake Willard serenaded visitors throughout the day.   Meanwhile BlackBird co-owner Karen Rohn's daughter Taurean and her guy Shogo came over from Seattle to do some special edition silk screens.  It was a celebration of talent, as Julie Kerr and Karen Rohn showed off their new and constantly changing inventory at the depot.  And according to Jack Coyner, the parking lot was packed all day.  Way to go Julie and Karen.  We wish you well!

Blackbird Station Grand Opening Recap

Julie Kerr, left, and Karen Rohn are pictured above taking a well-deserved break to work on the depot planters after a hugely successful grand opening last Saturday.  The owners of the depot's first business, Blackbird Station, featured a full day of guest artists and vendors to augment their own gift and art lineup.  There was also live music.  The parking lot stayed full the entire day, and Julie and Karen deemed the opening event a great day.  Stay tuned for more photos, coming soon.