| Train Order Board | Feature Of The Month | | Model Railroad Layouts | Museum Photo Page | | Museum Links | Engraved Brick Project | Last Updated 07-22-2008 |
|---|
The Centennial Celebration A Success. See Train Order Board.
Linden-Madison Township Historical Society, Inc.
In 1852 the Michigan City, Salem and New Albany (later Monon) Railroad cut through Montgomery County. The old stage road between Crawfordsville and Linden was given to the railroad as an inducement to get them to build through Linden. 1852 also saw the building of the first Linden depot, on a site behind the present day Post Office.
In 1881 the Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad was built, crossing the Monon at the site of the present day depot. It was known then as the Clover Leaf, until 1922, when it became the Nickel Plate Railroad. The line became part of the Norfork and Western (N&W) and was known as the Charleston District.
When the crossing, or junction, was created in 1881 the Monon Railroad moved their depot to the site of the junction. The old depot stood until 1907 when it caught fire and burned to the ground. The present depot was built on this location as a "junction" depot. An agreement between the two railroads to share the facillity was signed in October of 1907. From the 1949 list of Joint Facilities agreements, from Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Archives: Listed at Linden with the NYC&StL were two lines as follows: Station, Contract #68, dated 10/21/07 and 06/01/22 CI&L (Monon Railroad) paid 50% of both operation and maintenance. Crossing, (no contract number or date) CI&L paid 50% of Maintenance.
The Depot represents an important part of Linden's heritage and was central to the town, and surrounding area's existence for much of its early years. Passenger service was a vital part of the function of the depot. Passenger service ran until 1957 on the Nickel Plate and until 1967 on the Monon Railroad. In 1954 alone, more than 13,000 freight were exchanged between the two railraods at the Linden Depot. The memory of what the Depot meant to the community, and the desire not to lose this piece of history, became the driving force behind the establishment of the Linden-Madison Township Historical Society.
One of the first major goals and accomplishments of the Society was to get the Depot listed on the National Register Of Historic Sites. It was only natural that once work on restoration of the Depot began, that the Depot would become a museum. A great deal of time and effort, by many dedicated people have made the Depot and museum what it is today. Donations from many local businesses and organizations have been a mainstay in the Society's success. The Society is a non-profit organization and its Board is strictly voluntary with no payment, except the personal gratification and satisfaction from their part in preserving history.
It has been restored to the 1950 era of railroading and is operated as a museum by the Linden-Madison Township Historical Society. The fully air-conditioned Depot Museum features a collection of "railroadiana" material mainly from the two railroads it once served: the Monon and the Nickel Plate. The Monon agent's room houses the E.E. Kauffman train collection, including a 3/4" scale, live steam model of the Monon 4-4-0 locomotive with passenger coach. Numerous Nickel Plate artifacts are displayed in the Nickel Plate agent's room. Model Railroad Clubs operate HO & O gauge layouts in the separate Monon and Nickel Plate baggage rooms.
A joint venture between the Linden-Madison Twp. Historical Society and the Monon Railroad Historical/Technical Society has greatly enhanced the public's opportunity to enjoy Indiana's rich historical railroad lore. The project's goal was twofold: first to provide the Monon Society a physical "home" on the old Monon line, while secondly enhancing the Depot Museum's historical display. The opportunity came with the availability of land immediately adjacent to the Linden Depot. The Monon Railroad Historical/Technical Society didn't wish to become a landowner, yet needed a display site for their collection of rolling stock and archive of historical railroading artifacts. The Linden-Madison Township Historical Society agreed to purchase the available land with Monon Society donated funds in return for displaying the various artifacts. The joint venture provided an economical solution for achieving both partner's goals with Indiana's historical heritage the ultimate beneficiary. Three pieces of Monon rolling stock are currently on display in "the valley."
The Museum is open to the public from May through September. Hours are from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Because of staffing concerns, the depot is closed Mother's Day and Father's Day. Admission is $2.00 for adults, $1.00 for children ages 13 to 18, $.50 for children 6 to 12 and under 6 are free. Off season and special visitations or tours can be arranged by calling the Society President, Chris Benner. The Society waives its admission fees for school groups, daycare groups, scouting groups if they pre-schedule their visits in advance.
Linden-Madison Township Historical Society, Inc.
P.O. Box 154
Linden, Indiana 46955
Special thanks to Hoosiernetworks.com