THE EVENING EYE
WEDNESDAY JAN 7, 1891
OUR NEW DEPOT
An accounting of the finest dept building on any railroad system as prominent as well known as that of the Chicago and Alton, should be of more than local interest; it will be if general interest, not only to the employees of the company, but to the public as well. The question has been asked here many times with in the last six months: “What caused the company to erect such a fine building at Roodhouse?” Our answer is, we don’t know. The building is here and our only concern now is to say something about it.
On the night of the 15th of March 1890 the old depot was destroyed by fire. For months the company did nothing towards building a new one, and during that time our citizens indulged in various speculations regarding the probable removal of the headquarters from here. On the 19th of June a large force of men were put to work clearing the way the rubbish of the old preparing for a foundation for the new building.
The material used in the basement and the first story is the best quality of limestone rock, quarried at Louisiana MO. The stone contractor was Mr. Fred Henson, and the excellent work performed here testifies to his skill and judgment in that department of labor. The Second story is of frame, the very best of material being used throughout, however, and the whole is covered with a good quality of black slate. Mr. H J Martin was the efficient foreman of the carpenters. To his sill as a craftsman, combined with untiring energy and a scrupulousness of detail which prompted him to inspect everything that was done, the progress of the work is largely due. Too much credit cannot be given Mr. Martin for the Management of the work.
THE BASEMENT
This is occupied as a boiler and storage rooms. The boiler, which supplies the heat for the entire building, was furnished by Baker & Smith of Chicago, and is the same company that heats all of the Alton’s Passenger coaches. It is automatic in working and is equipped with an independent feeder which would supply water should any of the valves become stopped up. Frank Shuman is the day attendant, to whom the reporter acknowledges courtesies shown. The other important rooms in the basement are those id the battery and dry-room. The latter is absolutely fire proof and is provided with a combination safe door.
THE FIRST FLOOR
Is occupied by the ticket-office, waiting rooms, lunch room, box room, kitchen, baggage and express offices. The ticket-office stands in the west end of the building and is octagonal in form. A fire proof vault stands within in it which the tickets and money are kept. The entrance to the office is through a low door beneath the ticket window, thus affording better protection to the agents. Misers Cornett and Carkhuff, the day and night agents respectively are justly proud of their new quarters. The waiting-rooms are large and comfortable, that of the ladies’ being furnished with an elegant toilet room.
The lunch-room is under the control of F M Bateman, the host of the Phoenix Hotel. The company put in a fine mahogany topped counter thirty feet long, and Mr. B bought other furniture to correspond. He has lovely sideboards and refrigerators, as steam coffee-urn and oyster cooker and proposes to run things in a first-class manner. He will also sell a few choice kinds of fruit, tobacco, cigars, etc.
The baggage and express rooms are equipped with self-locking doors. This feature, while it is displeasing to the loafer who wishes to roast his shins against a good fire, is eminently satisfactory to the baggage man and express agents. The rooms are well adapted to the uses in which they are intended and are a great improvement over those heretofore used.
THE SECOND STORY
Is taken up with offices. In the west end of the building is situated the private office of the division superintendent, Mr. W. K. Morley. It is a model of convince and comfort; and though Mr. Morley is usually taciturn, he smiles as he welcomes his friends and shows them about the room. The office equipment, including table, chairs, desk, etc., are very handsome. Opening off from Mr. Morley’s office is that of his private secretary, Mr. L E Smith. It is provided with elegant furniture and has a fire-proof vault with combination lock and door. Within it are kept valuable papers and records relating to the company’s business.
Trainmaster J A Jordan has a large office connected with hat of the dispatchers’ and superintendents. It is nicely furnished, and Mr. J feels quite at home. The dispatchers have a cozy room and non appreciate it more than they. The table in which the instruments are is almost in the shape of a cross, and an operator sits in each corner. By simply turning his chair one man can command several keys, and thus, if necessary, do the work of two with out inconvenience and bother. The offices of assistant Road Master Sullivan and Claim Agent Patterson are also located in the building. They, like the other rooms, are light, airy, elegant and comfortable.
The very best of Southern Pine was used for the flooring and finishing. This was not painted but given a coat of hard oil which preserves the wood and leave it in its natural color. Mr. T Morse, of Louisiana, MO., was the foreman of the painters, and the work reflects much credit on him. The doors connecting the waiting-rooms, lunch-room, etc., are all double doors and swing either way. The heating system is perfect, the heaters being put in by experienced workmen. There are wires in each room of the building for incandescent lights, but non are used at present on account of having no power. As to the coust of the building, the best estimates are places at $30,000. It is undoubtedly the finest depot in Central Illinois, and it surely is the pride of the city counting on it.
In conclusion the reporter desires to express gratitude to all the officers and agents of the company here for uniform kindness extended to him in the past, and for assistance given in obtaining facts for the present article.
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