Contact info
address
204 West Topeka Street
Strong City
phone
n/a
website
Description
The city thrived due to the railroad, and in 1913, the one-story pressed brick depot was built in the mission style, trimmed in native limestone and decorative brick with a tile roof.
The depot has recently completed the central portion of the restoration with funds from a Transportation Enhancement Grant of $468,951 partnered with the city, a Jones Testamentary Trust, Wiedeman Foundation, and two local families.
The remaining funds were secured by providing tax credits. Work began in March of 2014 and is now restored; the depot will not only be the home of railroad memorabilia but will also provide the opportunity to host meetings and events.
The restored depot will also be the new site of the Strong City Hall as of Monday, August 14, 2015. The W.B. Strong Memorial Railroad Park is commonly called the Caboose Park and was established in 1997 through a matching ISTEA Grant from KDOT.
The authentic Santa Fe Caboose is the main feature, but it is surrounded by picnic tables, flowerbeds, and walkways.
The Chase County Girl Scout Troops have adopted this park and assisted in the upkeep of the flowerbeds and decorations for Halloween and Christmas. Local children converge to the park for the Chase County Christmas opening event, held annually on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.