This week we take a look at Tonkawa’s Santa Fe depot and it’s history. The original Santa Fe depot was built in 1899 and was a 24 x 80 frame, which was Braman, to Blackwell and onto Enid. The tracks would have crossed the Salt Fork River about 7 miles west of town. Several businessman in our area fought hard to bring the depot to town. In May of 1899, President Ripley of the Santa Fe, accompanied by his attorney arrived in Tonkawa. It was said that after the Townspeople welcomed them with a fancy dinner and a tour of the wheatfields, Mr. Ripley instructed his lawyer to draw up a contract and provide notes for cash. The railroad proved to be a much needed asset to Tonkawa. Wheat was hauled by a train cars to market as well as scrap metal and other merchandise shipped by rail. Farmers were able to ship grain and livestock to larger markets. In the early 1980s the Santa Fe railroad company donated the endangered Depot to the Tonkawa historical Society. Prior to acquiring the McCarter Museum location, the museum was housed in the depot. Today the beautifully restored depot is available to rent. At only $100 a day it is the perfect location for a shower or small gathering. It holds approximately 50 people and is a charming location for any celebration. If you are interested in renting the depot, message us on the Tonkawa Historical Society FB page. Photos included! Note: information came from articles previously printed in in the Tonkawa News.
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