The Depot will be open during Old Settlers' weekend

For more than 175 years bells, whistles and horns have alerted people in southern Indiana of the approach of trains. 

Salem, the birthplace of the Monon Railroad, relied on the railroad to move goods between Salem and the Ohio River. As important as that service was, other modes of transportation have brought an end to rail transportation along much of the former Monon route.

Railroad enthusiasts can still see Monon trains serving the people of Washington County, -- albeit in miniature.

A model railroad that covers  much of the basement of The Depot railroad museum,  shows Monon trains winding their way through Salem, Pekin and Campbellsburg during the 1950s and ‘60s.

The model has been constructed by several  Depot volunteers who have  been working on the project for 18 years. 

During Old Settlers’ weekend, volunteers will be operating the model from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and noon until 4 p.m. Sunday.

In addition to the model, visitors to the Depot can view a large collection  of toy electric trains dating back to the 1920s;  view displays of railroad memorabilia, including railroad tools, advertisements, dining car china and silver service, a collection of menus, and tour a 1929 Monon caboose.

The Depot, a replica of the Monon station that served Salem from 1909 until  it was torn down in 1982, is part of the John Hay Center and is located at 206 South College  Ave., Salem.

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