Repairs On Rock Island Depot Roof Complete

By Gordon HopkinsThe work to repair the roof of the Rock Island Railroad Depot Museum in Fairbury is now complete. Alan Dux from the Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) board gave an update to Jefferson County Commissioners at a meeting on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.“The workers were amazing,” said Dux. “A very efficient crew.”Dux also pointed out that the company spent money locally while they were working, including renting dumpsters and portable toilets from local businesses. The crew stayed at local lodging and ate at local restaurants every night.“So they patronized Fairbury businesses,” said Dux. “They left a lot of dollars in town.”Of the old tiles removed from the roof, tiles Dux said, “A lot of it was broken from the hailstorm. They saved us a few pieces. We want to see if we could have a few to solve for souvenirs.”The original tiles were clay, while the new ones are terracotta, held in place with copper nail. Dux told commissioners, “If we went with the original it would have been another $50,000 or more.” The roof was already in dire need of repair when it was further damaged by storms in 2021 and received further damage since then. The JCHS Board has worked tirelessly both to find a company to repair the roof, using materials consistent with the historical construction, and to raise fund to pay for the much needed repair.The new roof also has a 75 year warranty.Dux reported the total cost for the project was $375,000. JCHS was short approximately $50,000 and obtained a bank loan to pay the balance.While the depot roof project is complete, Dux pointed out that JCHS is responsible for eight other buildings, “We have several other fixer projects that we’re hoping to accomplish this year.”If you are still interested in making a tax deductible donation, please mail it to: Rock Island Museum, 910 Bacon Road, Fairbury, NE 68352. Make checks payable to Jefferson County Historical Society.

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