Tully Area Historical Society
Tully Train Depot
The Tully Train Depot was built in 1905 and served the community for passengers and freight until the railroad discontinued service in 1965. The building was used for storage and other things over the years until the Town of Tully secured a grant to purchase and preserve the building about five years ago.
The first renovation work was done by the town, repairing the roof and replacing the floor in the former passenger area. For the next three years, the historical society held Christmas @ the Station each year the weekend following Thanksgiving. Crafts are offered for sale at this event. The event is a continuation of Christmas at the Station previously held by Eve Carlton and Sonja Shepard for over eight years. It had been missed by many and the historical society had received many calls inquiring if it would be held again. Once we schedule it, traffic again returned by many central New Yorkers.
There still was a lot to be done to renovate the building. Early in 2008, a former Tully resident whose contracting background was invaluable approached volunteering his services for the renovation if materials were supplied. The offer greatly appreciated was immediately accepted and the project was off and running.
The Cypress wood paneling in the passenger area where rotted by the leaking roof was torn out and replaced. Not only did we have the larbor supplied by David Kinne (formerly a Tully Lincoln Street Resident) but businesses such as Kennedy Hardwood and Tully Building Materials stepped forward with discounted prices for the needed materials. Residents and others offered generous dollars to support the project.
In June of 2008, we held an open house to show the public our progress. The former passenger area is beautiful! We also have the first of two indoor restrooms operational.
The public has been invited to use this facility for gatherings. Tully Action Group held their Photo Contest Exhibit there in early September. a wedding anniversary. and an Open House to introduce the Democratic party candidates in the upcoming election took place during October.
The place is available and if anyone has any questions concerning it, call 696-4681 and we will try to answer all questions.We still have a lot of work to accomplish (installation of the other bathroom, a kitchenette, insulation, permanent heat, and painting the outside). Any and all donations are appreciated and gratefully accepted by the Tully Area Historical Society. Please designate on your check "for Railroad Depot."
