The structure originally sat on Main Street and was to be destroyed as historic buildings often were in those days. But in 1972, this group of individuals and the Student Council from Hamilton Heights High School went door-to-door, collecting funds to “Save The Depot.”
A piece of land, a block south of the depot’s original location, was owned by Charles & Laura Conaway. Mr. & Mrs. Conaway donated that piece of land and the depot was moved to its new location, where it resides today.
There The Depot was lovingly restored and has served as a museum for over four decades. Part of the structure was previously home to the Arcadia Library Branch and now is a combination art gallery, featuring the work of local artisans, as well as a heritage center that tells the story of the community’s hay-day during the Indiana natural gas boom era.
The Depot was already home to a few pieces of Arcadia Glass, donated by local citizens when the significant collections of Kay McDonald Riley (donated by her daughter, Christy Riley) and Kay’s brother, Joe McDonald (both long time collectors of Arcadia Glass) were donated to the museum in 2011. All of the glass, along with many other items of historic significance to the Town of Arcadia and Jackson Township, are on display at The Depot.
Key Milestones of The Depot, Arcadia, Indiana
1869 – Constructed
1972 – Threatened and saved by local volunteers
1973-1998 – Library, museum and community center
2007 – Initial re-restoration complete through a grant
2012 – Merger with Arcadia Arts, Inc.
2013 – Additional restoration needed
A piece of land, a block south of the depot’s original location, was owned by Charles & Laura Conaway. Mr. & Mrs. Conaway donated that piece of land and the depot was moved to its new location, where it resides today.
There The Depot was lovingly restored and has served as a museum for over four decades. Part of the structure was previously home to the Arcadia Library Branch and now is a combination art gallery, featuring the work of local artisans, as well as a heritage center that tells the story of the community’s hay-day during the Indiana natural gas boom era.
The Depot was already home to a few pieces of Arcadia Glass, donated by local citizens when the significant collections of Kay McDonald Riley (donated by her daughter, Christy Riley) and Kay’s brother, Joe McDonald (both long time collectors of Arcadia Glass) were donated to the museum in 2011. All of the glass, along with many other items of historic significance to the Town of Arcadia and Jackson Township, are on display at The Depot.
Key Milestones of The Depot, Arcadia, Indiana
1869 – Constructed
1972 – Threatened and saved by local volunteers
1973-1998 – Library, museum and community center
2007 – Initial re-restoration complete through a grant
2012 – Merger with Arcadia Arts, Inc.
2013 – Additional restoration needed