Depot
Even before Mark Dunham used the railroad to transport his Percheron horses from La Perche in Normandy by way of the City of Chicago, Wayne was a growing community because of its rail connection. The DuPage County Guide (1948) states that: “Wayne got its start when the tracks of the Galena and Chicago Union were laid through in 1849. Solomon Dunham built the original railroad station, became first station master and postmaster.”
Mark followed his father’s example and built a “brand new” train depot on the west side of the tracks in 1884 that would accommodate all the rail cars that boasted “The Largest Importing and Breeding Establishment in the World”. The railroad has played an important part in the development of Wayne and having the Depot in its original location will be a reminder of this heritage to Village residents and passers-by as well. Our Depot is recognized as a structure built by noted Chicago architects Frost and Cobb. It is very similar to the Wheaton Depot, now Cosley Park, that has become an important educational facility for that City. In similar fashion, though on a smaller scale, the Wayne Depot will provide space for community groups and community events that will strengthen our ties as neighbors. In 1994, the Village Board purchased the land where the Depot had originally been built, (“Subject Property”) with the intention of someday, somehow, getting the Depot back. In 2000, a serious effort was made to acquire State funding to move the Depot back to its original location. This Enhancement Grant was not awarded in its entirety, so the project was put on hold. In 2002, The Historic Sites Commission, in its capacity of Certified Local Government, designated the Depot as a Historic Landmark because of its special historic and aesthetic value to the community. In 2005, the newly formed Wayne Historic Preservation Society (“WHPS”) applied for ITEP, Kane County Development and Kane County Riverboat monies to fund the project that the Village Board continued to support. No financial support was received from these organizations. Through WHPS fundraising efforts and strong community support, by 2007 sufficient money has been raised to complete Phase I of the Depot Move. The intention of the organization was to let the building become a focal point downtown. With anticipated community enthusiasm and financial support for the restoration project, the Depot will become a repository for Wayne history and a meeting place for the Village and community organizations. WHPS secured the approval and agreement of the St. Charles |
