Residents of Valparaiso and lovers of railroad history gathered during the day Monday to watch a historic move. The former Grand Trunk railroad depot began its trek from the site it had been located for more than a century to its future home at the Porter County Career and Technical Center.
The depot was lifted by several craters and began to make its way across the railroad tracks by Dillabaugh, Inc. It was attached by a cable to a truck that inched the move along.
“We have to rotate the building a couple of times so we can fit it through two telephone poles,” Project Manager Dan Dillabaugh said, adding that the goal is to have the historic structure reach its new home by the end of the day on Tuesday.
Onlookers brought lawn chairs to watch the historic move. Joe Perz is a Valpo native who now lives in Whiting. He made a special trip Monday afternoon to witness the first stage of the move.
“I grew up out here and this is one of the places I began to love trains,” Perz said. “I like seeing railroad history preserved and this was such an integral part of life for years.”
Once the move is completed, the PCCTC will re-purpose the building’s use into a classroom.
"The great thing is they found a way to re-purpose it,” Perz said. “Part of the rehab is going to be training at the Center, so it seems to be a good thing for everyone.”
Third Photo by Air One Photography