Ideas make things happen

By Kenneth Rhoades, Co-Publisher

Recently it was revealed that an old railroad freight depot in Blair has to be moved or destroyed to make room for a giant grain storage facility. The old freight depot belongs to the Mathiesen Grain Company. The firm has offered the depot to anyone who would move it away and used it for a museum or other purpose.

The old freight depot is located next to the railroad tracks south of the old Blair Feed Mill on State Street between 16th and 17th.

The big question is where the money would come from to accomplish the move and where the old depot would be moved to. Then, who or what organiztion would take charge of maintaining the structure.

Location ideas have been suggested including a move to the Optimist Boat Ramp on the Missouri River. It could be used for everything from a rest area and concession stand, on the proposed hiking trail, to a museum.

The ideas are there but the funds and organization are lacking.

This is not the first time that good ideas have met a road block because of funding. But there are people and groups that can get things done. It wasn't too long ago that a group of young people came before the Blair City Council with an idea for a skateboard area for their skateboarding activities. The young people presented their ideas and eventually the City of Blair allowed an $80,000.00 skateboard park to be constructed west of the Blair Swimming Pool.

In the preserving history department, the Blair Historical Preservation Alliance group was concerned that all of the historic brick streets in Blair would be dug up or covered with concrete or asphalt. With some compromise, it now appears that some of the old historic brick streets in Blair will be preserved. Ideas and compromise DO WORK.

Perhaps some funds can be found to help with the expenses of saving the old historic railroad freight depot. Willing persons and active minds can make the difference.

Another historic project needs attention as well. The old Tyson log cabin, originally located north of Blair near the Missouri River, was taken apart and stored. Each piece was numbered so that it could be put back together when a new location can be found. Already people are thinking about the best place to reassemble the log cabin.

More than one location has been suggested. One of those sites is near the now-under-construction Veterans Memorial Park at 13th and Washington streets.

Another location has been suggested for the Rhoades Park located at 19th (Highway 30) and South streets. This would be near the Rose Garden and possibly on the site where the former Tourist Station was located.

Still another location would put the log cabin in Herman, Neb. It was noted that the Tyson family was always prominent in the Herman vicinity and perhaps the cabin should be put back together in the Herman City Park. Still several other sites are being considered. Here again the biggest "hang-up" is the lack of funds for re-construction and maintenance.

Now is the time for not just individuals but groups to get active. Especially on the old railroad freight depot. Construction of the grain storage facility will start this spring and the old depot must be moved or destroyed. Action is needed!!!!

KENNETH RHOADES is co-publisher of the Enterprise and Pilot-Tribune. He may be reached at 426-2121 or krhoades@enterprisepub.com.