Living passengers must wait for the train at the bigger, newer station in Fairhaven.
The old Bellingham train depot was designed by local architect F. Stanley Piper and built in the early 1920's after the original building burned down. Passengers walked through these lovely arches and waited for the train under glossy high-beamed ceilings and fancy wrought-iron chandeliers. In the early 1980's the depot was deemed too small, and passenger service switched to Fairhaven. Located at what is now a little-known dead end on D Street, most people drive near this beautiful old building every day without any knowledge of it.
How sad to be such a beautiful structure and no one even notices you! Do they use this station for anything else? I know our old train station in Tacoma is used for all kinds of different things. We don't have that kind of history in Tillicum but it sure is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh, I like your idea of the ghosts still catching the train here. What a beautiful building.
ReplyDeleteI say even more! I can see the ghosts catching the train there with my inner eye! Beautyful arches!
ReplyDeleteLove how the shadows define the details of the architecture. Buildings like that are a fading tradition. Love the B&W.
ReplyDeleteIt is a building with gorgeous bones. I suspect an enterprising businessperson will see it, recognize its potential, and return it to a useful life. Maybe that should be you!
ReplyDeleteIt is gorgeous! I suppose the new depot is very sleek and modern, lacking all character?
ReplyDeleteI for one am quite happy that you knew about the depot and decided to get this exquisite photo to share with us. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat is all rather sad. One might hope that someone will find a good use for it before it crumbles to dust.
ReplyDeleteRe your question: No, it's a faux well (The Villages' downtowns are mostly faux - it is a Disneyland for adults)...so no alligators. Darn!