Snyder Santa Fe Depot has historical marker

The Snyder Santa Fe Depot has a long history in the community and received historical designation in 1976.
According to a Texas historical marker, Snyder residents backed C.W. Post’s effort to attract a depot for Snyder. Post gave $50,000 to the community effort to attract Santa Fe Railway.
The rail line connected Dermott, Hermleigh, Pyron and Snyder, according to the marker.
The first train, a four-coach, one-Pullman, arrived on May 19, 1911. Dignitaries on the train inspected the new stretch of tracks from Snyder to Amarillo. Santa Fe Railroad President E.P. Ripley was one of the passengers.
In 1968, the station discontinued passenger and mail service and has not been used since.
The depot is scheduled for demolition, BSNF officials announced this week. A Rally for the Depot event will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at the downtown plaza, located at 2503 College Ave.
Local historian Paula Hatfield said many people may have memories of standing on the platform waving to the passing troop trains and watching freight cars and clerks documenting train movements during the oil booms and busts.
Hatfield said she planned to send a picture of the historical marker dedication to BNSF officials.
The actual marker disappeared, according to local historian Drew Bullard.
A new marker only mentions the Santa Fe Railway and includes information about the Snyder depot.
Scurry County Museum Executive Director Daniel Schlegel Jr. said there have been phone calls, emails and social media posts about the memories and attachment people had to the building. 
“We are deeply saddened that we were not given a chance or more time to work on a plan to preserve or save the building. There were a number of reasons issued by BNSF for the demolition, but with a great partnership those could have been overcome,” Schlegel said. “We hope to see something meaningful to come out of the loss of the beautiful building with it’s unique architecture and style.”