The Saluda Historic Depot is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $15,000 challenge grant from the Polk County Community Foundation to support the depot’s mission in 2017.

“Not only does this grant support the depot and museum financially, it also hallmarks the importance of the depot to the Saluda community, its heritage, and as a tourist destination,” says Judy Ward, chair of the Saluda Historic Depot board.

“Since this is a challenge grant, we will continue our outreach to raise funds for the museum from Saluda citizens and ongoing fundraisers,” says treasurer, Bruce Hunt.

“We know that all Saludans will celebrate this grant opportunity with us and help us to reach our mission. The depot is becoming a cornerstone to Saluda’s past and a repository for its railroad history. It is becoming a place in which all Saludans can take ownership,” says Cathy Jackson.

In March of 2015, a group of concerned citizens came together serendipitously to discuss the fate of Saluda’s Historic Depot, which was for sale. Out of this conversation grew a plan to “Save Saluda Depot” from commercial enterprises into a heritage museum and visitors center to honor and recognize Saluda’s origin and heritage. Since then, a non-profit 501(c)3 was formed and the depot was purchased in June 2016.

The historic depot is a modern icon of Saluda’s beginning and subsequent prosperity with the coming of the train bringing passengers up the Saluda Grade, the steepest grade in the country.

The depot and museum is open to the public Thursday through Sunday noon to 4 p.m. and holidays. You are invited to visit the depot and view interactive train models that will take you on a trip back in time when the railroads were our major mode of transportation. There remains a certain romance brought to mind when you hear the whistle of an engine in the distance, brought to you by the self-guided video, of course!

For more information, please contact Judy Ward at 828-674-5958 or judyward@charter.net or Cathy Jackson at 828-817-2876 or cathy@saludalifestyles.com.

– article submitted by Cathy Jackson