The Saluda Historic Depot is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $20,000 incentive grant from the Polk County Community Foundation to support the depot’s mission in 2018.

“Having met the requirements for the 2017 PCCF grant, we are excited to announce that the foundation trusts our hard work and has awarded us another incentive grant for 2018. This grant will make it possible for us to continue the growth in operations of the Saluda Historic Depot and museum. This support by PCCF hallmarks the importance of the depot to the Saluda community, its heritage, and as a tourist destination,” says Judy Ward, chair of the Saluda Historic Depot board.

“Grants like this one from the Polk County Community Foundation along with individual donations, sponsorships, and fundraisers is key to helping us reach our financial goals,” says treasurer, Bruce Hunt.

“We know that all Saludians will celebrate this grant opportunity with us and continue to take ownership of this Saluda treasured landmark. This is shown through the support of volunteers, over 5,000 visitors this year, school field trips, participation in our monthly Saluda Train Tales, and donations and memberships,” says Cathy Jackson.

“Saluda Train Tales has grown in popularity and we are pleased that the Polk County Community Foundation will be the sponsor for this monthly event,” says Mary Meyland Mason, secretary of the board.

The grant will be used for administrative expenses and specifically a new security system, lighting, video capture of Saluda Train Tales, and other improvements.

The Saluda depot sits on historic Main Street at the crest of the steepest mainline standard gauge railroad in the United States, and is a contributing structure on the National Register of Historic Places in the listing for the Saluda Main Street Historic District.

A group of citizens formed a 501(c)3 non-profit and purchased the building in June 2016, and has created a railroad and heritage museum to celebrate and memorialize the town’s railroad history and its beginnings.

The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. and includes seasonal exhibits, Saluda Grade “O Grade” Diorama and “G Grade” train dioramas of the different railroad eras in Saluda.  There are also running videos of trains that came up the Saluda Grade and a gift station.  Admission is free and voluntary; donations are always appreciated. The Saluda Historic Depot is located at 32 W. Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773.   

For more information, please contact Judy Ward at 828-674-5958 or judyward@charter.net or Cathy Jackson at 828-817-2876 or cathy@saludalifestyles.com.

– submitted by Cathy Jackson