Road Trippin’ In Rural Hall, NC ... by Karen Ruhl

Our road trip was to go to Farmington, NC (suggested to us by our good friend Trudy) to see what we could find to photograph. On the way, I always look on the internet for “things to do in the area.” I found directions for this train depot and off we went to explore. We were not disappointed.

We had such a warm reception, the volunteers were welcoming and ready to answer any questions. This is a multi-level train depot that was moved down the rails. It is sitting next to a working railroad line. While there, we went down the tracks a bit to the current depot and met a man who helps build and take care of the trains that are still active.

You might wonder why Craig and I like trains. Craig’s grandfather was a Structural Engineer, designing railroad bridges. He also invented a coupler for trains.

My grandfather worked for the Reading Railroad. He moved from Cincinnati to Pennsylvania during the depression to be able to take care of his wife and children.

I have always been fascinated by the big engines and their power. I shouldn’t say I like the graffiti on the cars, but I do love to take shots when I see them painted!

When we pulled into the Rural Hall Historic Train Depot and Railroad Museum parking lot, the smiling face of Donna Jo Abernethy greeted us. She explained the volunteers were setting up the museum for an open house that day and they would soon welcome us in.

The circa 1888 Depot is filled with memorabilia, displays, railroad artifacts, and even an area with a wooden train layout, engines, and cars that the young children sit on the floor and play with while the adults tour the museum. Tables, chairs, train-themed coloring books, and crayons were nearby. Volunteers circulated to share history, explanations, and guidance.

After touring the depot, we went back out to the side-yard, where tables and chairs were set up and ice cream was served. This is when we met Donna Jo’s husband, David, dressed in period conductors’ attire and very much looking and acting the part. David sat with us at one table and shared the history of the depot and how he and Donna Jo came to be involved with the nonprofit. Her father and mother, DJ and Alene Redding, rescued the Depot from demolition in 1980. They had the depot moved 200 feet from the original location and restored. They held the first open house in October 2013. To find out more, visit their website at Rural Hall Train Depot