The White Lake Area Historical Society will host its September meeting next Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Union Depot adjacent to the White Lake Area Chamber and Visitor's Bureau building, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the depot.
Chamber Executive Director Stephanie Ware and Office & Event Administrator Liv McCarthy will present a look back at the building’s century of history.
Built in 1926 by the Pere Marquette Railroad, the Union Depot replaced separate railroad depots that had previously served Montague and Whitehall. Historical records confirm the present Depot was constructed by Pere Marquette in 1926.
The presentation will use historic photographs, newspaper articles, and records collected over the years to follow the Depot from its early railroad days through efforts to preserve and restore the building, its transition into the home of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and its continued role in the community today.
“We have so many pieces of the Depot’s history tucked away in old photographs, newspaper clippings and records, and its 100th anniversary gave us the perfect reason to start bringing those pieces together,” Ware said in a press release. “We’re excited to share what we’ve found with the Historical Society and hopefully hear some memories and history from their members as well.”
The building’s preservation is itself an important part of its story. Chamber leaders spent years working to give the former railroad depot a new purpose, eventually renovating it for use as the Chamber office and visitor information center.
The Depot has continued to be cared for and preserved through the decades and remains home to the Chamber & Visitors Bureau today. The Chamber will continue commemorating the Depot’s centennial throughout the fall, including a 100th anniversary celebration planned for October. Additional details will be announced soon.
The Depot building and the nearby Meinhardi building and Caboose will also be open for viewing. Because the meeting will be held outside, attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
In the event of rain, the event will take place at the White Lake Senior Center in Montague. The program is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend.
