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	Vol. 41, No. 7 -- July 2006

		Local officials should review details of new state budget
					e-Government solutions enhance service to communities -- Timmons Group
							Out of confusion comes fusion -- By Janet Areson

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Norge Train Depot: A moving story about this historic preservation

By Rona Vrooman

How far would you go to preserve the unique and historic character of your community? In the case of the Norge Depot, James City County’s last remaining train depot, it was less than a mile. Though a short journey, it took almost 20 years, an unwavering commitment to historic preservation, and collaborative partnerships to relocate and eventually restore a remarkable representation of what makes a community special.

What’s so special about a train depot?

The Norge Train Depot is an example of the countless historic sites throughout Virginia that go quietly unnoticed amidst growth and development. Built in the early 1900s by the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Railroad, the 1,613-square-foot structure served as the hub of activity for a vibrant community of Norwegian settlers. It was a gathering place that served as a post office, telegraph office and store. By 1909, the surrounding area was home to about 90 families and boasted 25 buildings, including homes, churches, stores and businesses that reflected Norwegian life and architectural style.

One reason that the Norge Train Depot is so special is that it remains vividly alive in the memories of citizens. County Supervisor Andy Bradshaw recalls:

By 1909 the Norge Train Depot was a gathering place that served as a post office, telegraph office and store for a vibrant Norwegian community.

“The pulsing chug of the engines and rhythmic clack of the wheels over the rail segment joints was the music that put me to sleep many thousands of nights. My siblings and I played in the dark dirt, made nearly black from decades of coal dust and ash from the steam engines. We learned to count into the hundreds by tallying the number of coal cars that passed by, sometimes at such a rate of speed we could hardly keep pace. We got our first notions of a world bigger than our town as we saw rail cars move past covered in snow when our weather had been mild and clear for days. And our concept of community expanded as we saw coal, logs, automobiles, livestock and freight cars whose contents we could only guess, pass by going to or from distant ports.”

A long and bumpy road

Fast forward to 1969. Trains no longer stop at Norge. The depot is closed and the building is falling into disrepair.

In 1987, a group of concerned citizens formed the Norge Railroad Depot Preservation Association. In 1990, the James City County Historical Commission began pursuing funding to relocate and restore the train station. These grassroots efforts raised awareness and interest, but unfortunately, did not raise sufficient funds. The project took on urgency in 1997 when it was announced the train depot would be demolished.

Over the next few years, if anything could go wrong, it did. While CSX Corp., the current owners, agreed to donate the building if it were moved – no suitable site was identified. Although state money might be available – the request had previously been turned down. It would prove to be a case study in patience, perseverance and partnerships.

Partnerships pay off

The partnership with CSX Corp. was critical because the company not only donated the depot, it waited patiently while an alternative location was found. The partnership between the Historical Commission and local Ruritan Club was essential in developing the action plan that was funded subsequently. After awarding the project a $75,000 Transportation Enhancement Program grant, VDOT’s assistance went beyond serving as grant administrator as the agency continued to provide invaluable assistance in accomplishing the project.

In addition, there were numerous partnerships with local businesses, organizations and citizen volunteers that made the relocation possible.

County’s unique contribution

The call to preserve Norge Train Depot was fully citizen-driven. Living its mission, “We work in partnership with all citizens to achieve a quality community,” the county looked for ways to be responsive to citizen priorities. The most tangible contributions were land and staff. First, the Williamsburg Regional Library System donated the new site. Second, the county shifted staffing assignments to better serve the citizen volunteers serving on the Historical Commission.

Localities are in the position to offer many intangible contributions. Recognizing that volunteers already donate so much of their time, the county was able to provide continuity over time so that the project moved forward. The county could connect with and build on previously established relationships with elected officials, local businesses and others to expedite the process.

Taking a shortcut through a field saved the county thousands of dollars.

The big move

In February 2006, Norge Train Depot left the rails for the last time and was relocated to its new home. Done in stages, the move took place over three days. While it would have been cheaper and easier to demolish the structure – the direct moving costs totaled $75,000 – the community would have lost an important part of its heritage.

Instead, that piece of history was preserved thanks to the amazing outpouring of in-kind services and materials from businesses, organizations and individuals – an engineering firm that offered site plan services; multiple contractors who cleared and excavated the site; a contractor who cleared the pathway and even left a bulldozer on site “just in case;” suppliers that donated concrete and foundation materials; and a family that, by allowing their property to be used as a short cut for the move, saved the county thousands of dollars originally earmarked for relocating utilities on a major road.

The savings?

James City County saved a building that documents the community’s historic past – a unique and cherished feature that distinguishes it from the surrounding areas.

Citizens coming together for such a personal and compelling purpose reflected the sense of community that exists in James City. Consistent with the National Trust for Historical Preservation, “these buildings are worth saving because our communities would be less interesting, less attractive, without them.”

The depot’s future

Now settled in its new home, adjacent to the James City County Library on Croaker Road, the Train Depot will be used as a community center and feature educational displays related to the history of the community and the railroad. It will serve as a community gathering place, just as it did in the last century.

About the author: Rona Vrooman is training and quality performance coordinator for James City County.

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