Today, it continues to serve its community, honor the history of the station and preserve railroad memorabilia. If you've ever been to Rural Hall, North Carolina, you've seen the community's outstanding landmark – that mustard-yellow building next to the railroad tracks - it’s hard to miss the Rural Hall Depot. In 1888 visitors to the depot could catch one of four passenger trains running daily between Wilmington and Wilkesboro or watch as a freight train loaded with cotton, building supplies, to***co, or apples chugged down the tracks on its way from Mt. Forty years later, by the 1920s, the Depot was a social gathering spot for town residents as well as a transportation hub. In 2013 there are no more passenger trains on the tracks--only freight trains--but local residents and visitors can again gather there as it opens its doors to the public as the Rural Hall Historic Train Depot Museum.
“Collecting all sorts of things related to railroads, but particularly items that are from the lines that served Rural Hall, has been my passion for many years,” said D. Redding, Jr., a retired building contractor and long-time resident of Rural Hall. What a story there is to tell about the Rural Hall Depot's past and present. and his late wife, Alene, rescued the Depot from sure demolition back in 1988, about a century after it was built. They envisioned a gathering place for the community, one that not only offered a roof to congregate under but one that also promoted the preservation of local history. The depot has housed many different businesses over the years but never quite reached its potential as a landmark in the Rural Hall community. Today, in his wife’s memory, D.J. and his family aim to turn that around. Almost a century old himself (he turns 92 October 17), D.J. has endless stories about the Depot and the massive collection of railroad memorabilia he and Alene collected over the years. From dishes designed especially for Southern Railway to a wooden travel crate for a dog, his collection is quite the sight to see.
“The late Archie K. Davis, chief executive of the former Wachovia Bank, shared my interest in railroads, and whenever he had the chance, he’d locate items for the collection,” said Redding, pointing to a railroad tie that was discarded from a line of track. As a museum, the Depot will welcome visitors for tours of the collection. Special tours for school children, Scouts, and other groups can be arranged by appointment. The Depot will also offer the community a new place to gather for parties, meetings, family reunions, etc. in the newly-refurbished Baggage Room. Open by appointment only unless there is a special event or party rental.
