When it was announced that BNSF would demolish the Santa Fe Depot in Snyder at the end of September, the news hit close to home for people like Snyder resident Cy Willson.
Willson spent three decades around the railroad as an employee of Burlington Northern Santa Fe, which is now BNSF. He began at Santa Fe Railway in May 1977 and worked for the railroad through several mergers until October 2007.
His primary jobs were changing rails, servicing the track and helping distribute materials.
Willson said the Santa Fe Depot served as a headquarters for the Snyder section of the railroad.
“It was a meeting place,” Willson said. “A lot of business came through there.”
Willson estimates that during his 30 years working for the railroad, he worked with more than 200 people. He said the railroad provided him with a job and with plenty of memories. So, on Sept. 28, when BNSF announced they planned to demolish the depot, Willson said he was deeply saddened.
“It just broke my heart,” Willson said. “There’s business that still goes through here. It’s important because it’s a symbol of the railroad and the impact it had on Snyder, and because it contains a lot of memories.”
As of right now, plans to demolish the depot are on hold. Willson said he hopes it remains open as a symbol of the connection between Snyder and the railroad industry.
Historian Paula Hatfield said today she is talking to groups from other communities that have refurbished depots to come up with a plan for the Snyder building.
She is also seeking old pictures of the depot’s interior from 1911 to 1970 to help show the building’s history.
To provide a photo, call Hatfield at 575-2391.
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