Bude, Mississippi (Mississippi Department of Archives and History)
Although the
Homichitto Lumber Company brought Bude into existence in 1913, the railroad was a necessary ingredient in the town's success and the railroad plays a key role in sustaining the town into the 21st century. This postcard view of the Mississippi Central Depot in the early years of the 20th century is a stark contrast to the 2013 view of the town, but the railroad still runs through Bude, and the depot still stands as a reminder of better days
The semaphore signal visible in the old postcard is still standing. The arms are broken off, but not too many of these are still around.
Former Illinois Central Gulf caboose 9452, built in 1970, was used as the yard office in Gloster, Mississippi for the Gloster Southern Railroad. It was moved to Bude in 2011 to be used as the yard office for the Natchez Railway, which provides service between Natchez and Brookhaven, passing through Bude and interchanging with the Canadian National in Brookhaven. The caboose still wears its Gloster Southern paint scheme.
The day I visited Bude last April (2013) this pristine GP38-2 was tied down just west of the Bude Depot. Built in 1971, this locomotive is now owned by Grenada Railway, out of Grenada, Mississippi.
An old freight wagon waits in the shadow of the empty depot.
Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading
Photography In Place.
I moved to Bude recently and was smitten with the historical beauty of the Bude Depot. After speaking with the Natchez Railway, I learned the city of Bude owns the depot, but the Natchez railway owns the land under the depot. City of Bude obtained quotes on the cost of moving the depot across the street. They can not have it moved due to too costly. If funds are not raised to move it, it will have to be torn down. I think this would be a horrific loss to not only Bude, but to Mississippi history. Surely there is some way to save this beautiful Depot. TTetrick
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know about this. It would be very sad to lose this part of history.
DeleteI would appreciate it if you would contact me. I would like to learn more about this and perhaps pass on information to some contacts I have in MS who may not be aware. You can email me by clicking on "Contact Me" at the top of the side bar on the left (under "Pages"). Thanks again.
1971 years
DeleteThank you, Edd, for bringing your post and the above comment to my attention. The Bude Depot has been designated as a Mississippi Landmark by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (https://www.apps.mdah.ms.gov/Public/prop.aspx?id=8082&view=facts&y=856) , and as such, it can't be demolished without MDAH approval. There are also grants available through MDAH for Mississippi Landmark properties. I would suggest contacting Jim Woodrick at MDAH's Historic Preservation Division to ask what options might be available for this great depot. Good luck, and let me know if my little blog, Preservation in Mississippi, can help in any way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the clarification. I am trying to get more information about what, if anything, is going on with this. It is good to know that the site is protected. Thanks for your help.
DeleteHiya Edd ~ Whatever happened with this? ... I am aware of several individuals possibly interesting in acquiring and renovating the structure / Sam Bell / BellRemnants@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSam, back in 2014 I contacted several other people about this but did not get anywhere. Since I live in Virginia, it is difficult for me to do much from a distance. Best bet is probably either to contact the MDAH or perhaps contact the website https://misspreservation.com/. As noted in a comment above, the structure is listed as a Mississippi Landmark, so the MDAH will have some say in its preservation.
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