Railroad Depots of West Central Ohio

Twelve railroad lines served west central Ohio around 1907; they were the lifeblood of the communities they ran through.  Bellefontaine, Bradford, and Crestline became major terminals, and lesser known places like Dola, Ohio City, and Peoria also owe their existence to the iron horse.  Around 300 depots served the west central region, with the earliest dating to the late 1840s.  The depot was the center of activity in the smallest village to the largest city.  Many of the depots no longer exist—victims of progress, nature, or neglect.  Some survive as historical museums, various businesses, and residences; a few remain in railroad use.  Railroading lives on in restored depots at Bucyrus and Galion—two architectural gems of the Buckeye State.  This book shares a tale of the golden age of rail travel through vintage postcards and mid-20th-century photographs of selected depots and other railroad structures.

Author Bio: Mark J. Camp is a geology professor at the University of Toledo, a lifelong Toledo resident, and a longtime railroad historian. He serves as a national director of the Railroad Station Historical Society.

Be aware that the accuracy of some of Arcadia’s home-spun histories is sometimes questionable. Hence, your NYCSHS directors would be interested in reviews by knowledgeable members. Published by Arcadia Publishing, this softcover retails for $22, with NYCSHS members paying only $17.60. Shipping is extra and Ohio residents must add 8% Ohio sales tax.