Tenino station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Tenino Depot
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | 399 Park Ave W Tenino, Washington |
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| Built | 1914 |
| Architect | Luther Twichel |
| Architectural style | Modernized Richardsonian |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001982 |
| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1974 |
The Tenino Depot, also known as the Tenino Station, is an old train station in Tenino, Washington. It was built in 1914 by the Northern Pacific Railway. This station was an important stop on the main train line between Portland, Oregon and Tacoma, Washington. Because of its history, the Tenino Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Contents
A Look Back: The Depot's History
From Busy Station to Museum
The Tenino Depot was a busy place for many years. It served passengers until the 1950s. After that, it continued to handle freight, which means it moved goods and packages, into the 1960s. The station finally closed its doors in 1965 and was left empty for a while.
Saving the Historic Depot
In 1975, the Burlington Northern Railroad, which took over from the Northern Pacific, decided to give the depot to the City of Tenino. They could have torn it down, but instead, they saved this important building. The city then started working to create a special historic area. They even thought about moving the depot next to the old Quarry House and the Tenino Stone Company Quarry.
The Tenino Depot Museum Today
The city worked hard to fix up the old depot. They turned it into the Tenino Depot Museum, a place where you can learn all about local history. The museum has many cool things to see. You can find a special press that made the original wood money used in the area. There are also old tools from logging and quarry work, and items from the railroad's past. You can even see what a doctor's office looked like in the 1920s! The museum is open on weekend afternoons for visitors.
Building Style: What Makes it Special
Made from Local Stone
The Tenino Depot is a rectangular building made from local sandstone. This sandstone came from a quarry located just east of the train tracks. That quarry is also a historic site! The building's style is a modern version of something called Richardsonian architecture. This means it has simple stone walls and cool arched windows.
Inside the Old Station
The depot was designed with different areas for different uses. One end of the building was a waiting area for passengers. The other end was a large room for freight, where goods were stored and loaded. In the middle, there was an office for the train agent. This person managed all the train activities.
Why the Depot is Important
The Tenino Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for two main reasons. First, it shows how the town of Tenino grew and developed over time. Second, it represents the important role that railroads played in the history of Washington state. It's a reminder of how people and goods traveled long ago.
