Lebanon Train Station Restoration Project
 In September of 1880, the tracks of the Albany-Lebanon Railroad were completed, and a railroad depot was constructed along the tracks north of Sherman Street. In October of 1880, the line was taken over by the Oregon and California Railroad. In the later part of the 1880s, Southern Pacific took over the Oregon and California Railroad, and thus acquited the Albany-Lebanon branch line. Passenger service was available between Albany and Lebanon with two trains daily. In 1895, a line was constructed to the Lebanon Paper Mill, and in 1898 M. W. Watkins asked for a line for the Albany, Lebanon and Waterloo Railroad Company south to the factory and flouring mill. In 1908, the new Southern Pacific Railroad Depot was constructed in Lebanon. The steel railroad bridge over the Santiam River was constructed in 1910, and train travel was very popular at that time. In January of 1915, five trains arrived daily in Lebanon from Albany, Springfield, Woodburn and Portland, while departing trains left six times a day for Albany, Springfield, and Brownsville. [Lebanon Criterion, January 29, 1915] The passenger train which ran on this line was known as the Willamette Limited. Stagecoaches left daily for Sweet Home and Lacomb, and the local citizens travelled frequently to visit relatives and conduct business. By the early 1920s, automobile and truck traffic began to erode the passenger train patronage, but the local newspaper still urged the townspeople to patronize the railroad, as it was "one of the largest tax payers in the county, and the service it offers is worth preserving." [Lebanon Criterion, July 15, 1921] The depot, which is still standing, is presently under restoration. Volunteers are need to do everything from interior and exterior painting to landscaping. If you would like to participate in this restoration project, please call Scott Simpson, 541-258-2466 to volunteer your time or money to this worthwhile project.
For further information, contact Scott Simpson, 541-258-2466
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