Tehachapi News

Tehachapi Depot: well-worth all the effort

larger view larger view larger view larger view larger view larger view

The long wait is over: the Tehachapi Depot in the center of town will officially open to the public in a ceremony and celebration on Saturday, June 5.

After undergoing years of benign neglect, then restoration, then destruction by fire and finally reconstruction, the distinctive landmark is about to become some of the most popular public space in Downtown Tehachapi.

Inside, the depot houses a museum, using historic artifacts and vintage photo images to recreate the look and feel of the railroad agent’s office, the waiting room, baggage room and freight room of the original Tehachapi Depot.

Outside, a spacious deck with benches, tables and chairs and a large landscaped area create a small park where residents and visitors will gather to relax, eat, play and watch passing trains.

I know it seems like another week, another museum opening in Tehachapi, but the Tehachapi Depot and the Tehachapi Museum and Errea House down Green Street together are transforming the experience of visiting Downtown Tehachapi.

The Tehachapi Depot museum features many items from the collection of the late Bill Stokoe, who was in charge of local signal maintenance for Southern Pacific Railroad for many years.

Bill was a longtime Tehachapi resident and rail fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of trains. He was also a fine man and friend of mine who patiently taught me most of what I know about railroading. After his death, the City of Tehachapi purchased his extensive memorabilia collection from Bill’s widow Betty.

Also on display inside the depot museum are artifacts and vintage photos from the Tehachapi Museum collection. Tehachapi Heritage League president Charles White is the designer of the depot museum, and he has created an interesting and inviting museum atmosphere with the same professionalism and attention to detail that mark all of his endeavors.

Friends of the Depot, a local nonprofit group, will be in charge of operating the museum and members of the group have worked hard on the depot project, including restoring some examples of Bill Stokoe’s signal collection, which are incorporated into the park area outside.

Among the Friends of the Depot members who have long planned and worked on the museum are president Fred Motter, Ed Gordon, Carol Westover, Tim Trujillo, Linda Gordon, Sheryl Bovi and many other dedicated volunteers.

The signals were cleaned, repaired and repainted at the Tehachapi Airport by Doug Pickard, Dennis Storms and other contributors.

The City of Tehachapi has been an ardent supporter of the Tehachapi Depot, both financially and logistically. The project has received unwavering enthusiasm from city manager Greg Garret and councilmembers, as well as hard work by the city construction crew of Mike Pera, Dennis Artzer and Jerry Sorensen.

Come celebrate the depot’s dedication on June 5 from noon to 4 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting at 1 p.m. You’ll be part of an historic moment in our town’s history.

Have a good week.