2025 Depot Restoration Progress

The removal of the fire damaged home on Lover’s Lane was completed in 2025 by Joe and Pete Darcy. Their bill is almost paid off, we still owe them $1500. They were so kind to allow us pay them in installments as funds have become available. The project removed the remains of the house, filled in the basement and left us with a large open area where we plan to plant trees and have a garden.  

Summer/Fall 2025 Progress: 

Berkshire Fence donated and installed a split rail fence between the Depot and the trail. It looks wonderful. We also set up an information kiosk. It will have depot history and local information.  

Carr Hardware donated paint and the multi-talented Tegan Cook painted the thirsty clapboards of the Depot before winter. We think it was last painted when the trains were still running, about 70 years ago. 

We met with an engineer to determine what needs to be done to stabilize the foundation and he gave us some ideas. The short version is that we need to build some piers (possibly by pouring concrete forms) to support the beams that support the building. He suggested that we do that project before we do the roof, in case the roof shifts while we adjust the beams. The majority of the beams are in great shape and doing their job well, there are a few that need to be replaced. He was impressed by the stability of the building.  

Rob Zimmerman has done a lot of construction work to support the roof and fill the gaps. It does still need to be replaced before we do most of the interior work. It’s going to be an expensive job. We haven’t gotten quotes yet. 

Thanks to Paul Miller, a lot of the windows have been reglazed (broken panes and caulking replaced) they were painted and put back in their casings. There are more to go, please volunteer if you have the skills to help. The modern garage door on the back was removed and the building closed up a bit more, mostly thanks to the work of Tegan Cook and Liam Ogilvie, with help from Joe.  

Most importantly, we are making great strides on joining new sections to the existing trail, there should be a few more added this summer.  

We had a wonderful call out during New Lebanon’s  recent presentation by Room Enough for Both. They are firmly behind the project and asked that the town help us as much as they can to help facilitate joining the trail connections. You can read the final report here (CRTA begins on page 24).