The 1881 Wabash depot from Symerton, Illinois (on the line from Chicago to Decatur) was moved board-by-board by the Will County Historical Society to a site in downtown Lockport to be part of their frontier village. The classic wood structure represents a typical 19th-century small town railroad depot. The Symerton depot contains many original items from this era, including telegraph hardware, office equipment and original Wabash Railroad paperwork.

The Blackhawk Chapter has given generous financial support for repairs to this depot and it has been the site of Bill Molony's continuing performance as a 19th-century station agent.

Blackhawk Chapter president Bill Molony, and chapter members Ed Merzlock and Dick Wheeler created a diorama for the Will County Historical Society showing the proposed layout of the new site for the station and the rest of the pioneer village.

Additional photos of the diorama of the proposed location can be found on our Facebook page

Throughout late Summer/early Fall 2012, the Symerton depot and the rest of the village was moved into their new location. At that time, it was found that key supports on the building had rotted to the point where the building was in danger. Since repairing this damage was not in the WCHS's budget, the Blackhawk Chapter financed the needed repairs.

Blackhawk Chapter president Bill Molony also built an authentic replica of the original Wabash-style depot sign, getting the depot closer to its original as-built appearance.

The Blackhawk Chapter is also working on getting a stretch of track laid and having an authentic period wood-style platform built and is raising funds to fully restore the interior. For more information about the entire village project and how you can help, contact the Will County Historical Society.