Several
images of the Northern Pacific Depot at Moclips shows the popularity
of the area as a tourist destination in the early 1900's. Literally
THOUSANDS of visitors came by train to this final stop along the
NP line on any given day.
The depot at Moclips measured 40' by 100'. It had a waiting room, ticket
office and freight room on the ground floor.
Upstairs was a two bedroom apartment for use by the station master.
A raised, wooden platform existed along the east side of the building
next to the tracks.
With the production of the automobile and construction of new roads,
the necessity of train travel diminished. By the 1940's, this once
thriving depot sat abandoned, being used by local youth as a basketball
court.
In the 1950's the building was demolished.
In the 1960's, this property became the site of a trailer campground.
Still later when the railroad tracks were taken up between Hoquiam
and Moclips, Washington State Parks converted this five acre parcel
into state park land.
The goal of our historical society is to rebuild the depot exactly
as it was in the same location it formerly occupied. This replica of
the NP depot from 100 years ago would become the permanent home of
the Museum of the North Beach.
Because
of its size, the new museum would have much larger and more complete
displays and a museum store. The museum office, a classroom and
production room would be located upstairs. Community functions
and meetings could be held there with room to spare.
We
already have the Washington State Parks Commission working with
us to establish a partnership with them to make this park a wonderful
attraction in Moclips, and for the entire North Beach area. With
a building fund already established and an architect waiting in
the wings, we are well on our way to realizing this dream.
If
you would like to be a part of this dream and can either donate
your time, or provide some financial assistance please contact
us at our website
www.moclips.org, or call us at the museum (360) 276-4441.
ALL
ABOARD!
