Submitted by Karen Thompson
Features Reporter
June 8, 2015 4:26 p.m.
A few lucky tourists and more than 100 locals gathered in downtown Fernandina Beach today for the Grand Opening of the Amelia Island Welcome Center in the historically renovated train depot at 102 Centre Street.
The skies were blue and anticipation was electrifying as ladies and gentlemen from the History Museum in period costumes, pirates, Restoration Foundation leaders, community politicians and organizers, tourism managers and staff and local craftsmen who worked on the rehabilitation, all gathered to witness the unveiling of the Amelia Island Welcome Center in the new depot building.
Speakers called the architecturally significant brick building constructed in 1899 “a focal point of Fernandina’s downtown,” “a labor of love,” “an icon of the community,” “a cherished piece of our history,” “the heart of Amelia Island.”
Spokespersons congratulated and thanked the many people who met and exceeded the challenge set 40 years ago when forward-thinking residents formed the Amelia Island – Fernandina Restoration Foundation making the $400,000 depot/welcome center renovation project a reality today. As Fernandina Beach Mayor Ed Boner so aptly stated, “Amelia Island has been and continues to be a place of pirates and princesses, explorers and dreamers.”
Other speakers charted the economic impact of Amelia Island tourism that brings $515 million into the local economy each year and the $100 million in payroll from tourism jobs. Many others outlined ambitious plans for future downtown improvements including the opening of Alachua Street, the railroad crossings and making the entire riverfront a place that everyone can enjoy and be proud of. Adam Kaufman, president of the Restoration Foundation made a surprise announcement that a $50,000 replica of the railroad loading platform planned for the near future will help get the ball rolling.
According to the event program, the building served as a passenger depot through the 1930’s. When the railroad no longer needed it, the depot was deeded to the local historical society, then in turn to the City of Fernandina Beach, with the specification that it be used to promote history. Because of its historical significance, the depot is included in the National Park Service’s Historic American Buildings Survey.
Today, the little brick building from the era of the steam train begins a new chapter. With a blend of historic charm and contemporary technology, it stands ready to welcome visitors from around the world who arrive at the foot of Centre Street.
For a more in-depth look at the history of depot building click here for “The Historic Train Depot . . . then” by Suanne Thamm in the Dec. 28, 2014 Fernandina Observer.
Support for the restoration of Fernandina’s Train Depot was provided by Amelia Island Tourism & Development, the City of Fernandina Beach, and the Amelia Island-Fernandina Restoration Foundation.
Editor’s Note: Karen moved to Fernandina Beach two years ago after working in Chicago as a senior public relations specialist for the Midwestern regional office of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Prior to that, she was an editor, columnist and writer for a chain of Chicago newspapers , an account executive for several Chicago public relations agencies and proprietor of her own pr/marketing business. She grew up and earned her journalism degree in Wisconsin.
Well, for anyone who attended Saturday nights Tough Times, Strong Women Tales at he Museum, it’s not going to take long to discover Ms. Matilda Seton sitting right next to? you guessed it, Mr David Levy Yulee on the park bench. What a scandal, Y’ll remember how she carried on so about young Mr. Yulee, he being married and all, just sitting there soo close. What a set of Brass B—s that man has. Seriously, my one regret is that everyone in town could not attend the Tough Times, Strong Woman Performance of Local Gals in our past. The performance was so professional, and enjoyable. What Theater, Thank You Ladies.
I was on the waiting list and would love to see it . . . was it videotaped? If not, I hope that the Museum will add another performance and tape it for posterity.