The Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation (Missouri Preservation) has announced its list of historic Places in Peril which includes the train depot in Bethany.
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Missouri Preservation is the state’s premier statewide historic preservation advocacy non-profit organization. It has publicized a list of endangered historic places for about 15 years.
Properties on the list range from a train depot in Bethany, to an entire neighborhood in St. Louis. Properties might be endangered for a host of reasons including inappropriate development, neglect, lack of funds, improper city planning, and absenteeism.
The former Burlington Northern Railway Depot in Bethany was the last active depot in Harrison County. The first train arrived at the depot on Oct. 28, 1880.
The building represents a typical depot design, with a low pitched hipped roof with wide overhanging eaves, and inside a large passenger waiting area, baggage and freight area, and an office and ticket window.
The depot was the center of activity prior to World War I as the station employed a station agent, a freight agent and a telegrapher. Four daily passenger and freight trains passed through Bethany.
The trains were met by reporters, taxis and drays, and lunches were brought for railway passengers. Scores of riders came to the station on their way to the annual Northwest Missouri State Fair. Circus animals as well as solders were picked up at the station at various points in its history.
Today the depot is threatened due to neglect. Boards on the inside and outside decks are in good condition, but the floors are sagging and in need of shoring. The building’s exterior needs to be repaired and painted. Interior walls and ceilings are damaged, and termite infestation was recently discovered.
It is hoped that listing on Missouri’s Place in Peril will help bring awareness of the plight of the depot to citizens interested in its preservation.
The City of Bethany plans to earmark a small portion of their 2019 budget for repairs at the depot. But the city’s funds will not be enough for a full renovation.
Other historic places in peril as announced by the Missouri Alliance include the following:
The Sarah Lou Cafe in St. Louis, the Salem High School Building in Salem, the Barbagallo House in Kimmswick, the Henry Miller House in Bloomfield, the former Lincoln School in Jackson, the Emmaus Homes Campus in Marthasville, the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lee’s Summit, Westland Acres in Chesterfield, and Capitol Avenue in Jefferson City; Land Reutilization Autority (LRA) Buildings in St. Louis, Kansas City Board of Education and Library Building, old Nevada Post Office in Nevada, historic resources in state parks across the state, the Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen.
In addition to the published list of places in peril, the Missouri Alliance also posts a “watched properties” listing. These properties show progress but are still of considerable concern:
St. Joseph Livestock Exchange, the Old Calaboose/Jail in Elsberry, the Frank L. Sommer “Cracker” House in St. Joseph, and the Russell Hotel in Charleston.