Wabash Depot Antique Center
 By Cindy Ladage
If only buildings could talk, what could the Wabash Depot Antique Centre tell you? The building could relay stories about Presidential rallies from the early nineteen hundreds. The Depot could share what ladies and gentleman were saying about events happening in Macon County and Illinois at the turn of the century.
Built in 1901 the Wabash Depot was built by the Wabash Railroad. Later taken over by Norfolk and Western Rail Road the railroad was a flourishing station. Besides the rail road station itself, the Charles Hotel that was located across the street from the Depot added another historical element to the area. With people arriving and people departing and many of them historical figures, stories could abound, if only buildings could talk! But since they can't visit this wonderful spot, it is the next best thing.
Besides serving the Wabash and Norfolk and Western rail lines, the depot was used for more modern passenger service. "This later served as an Amtrak passenger depot," said Liz Ballog who owns the depot along with her daughter Kim Aukamp.
"This building in on the National Register of Historic Places and the man that designed it is Theodore Link who also designed the railway station which is Union Station in St. Louis. He is pretty famous and designed a lot of items in St. Louis's Forest Park."
The Wabash Depot ceased operating as a rail road station in 1985. "The railroad was then sold to Kim and me ten years ago."
With Wabash Depot Antique Centre being only the second occupant of the historic building, everything was as the rail road had left it. With a lot of work, the two women have restored and refurbished the building. While utility items were updated, Liz added that the terrazzo floor and wood work are the same. Windows on the outside are new, but the original eyebrow stained glass windows remain.
If for no other reason than to check out the beauty of this historic building, a trip to Decatur is in order! "This is historical as well as a showplace," Liz said, about her store that opened in 2002. The Wabash Deport Antique Centre is now a flourishing shop with 55-70 different dealers that rent space.
"We have a lot of upscale antiques and collectibles from the 60's, 70's and 80's. We carry glass, porcelain, jewelry, furniture, old lanterns, linens, sterling silver and railroad memorabilia such as railroad dinner ware and model trains."
Many train enthusiasts come just to watch the trains go by and to see what type of collectibles and railroad antiques are available. "The ambience is wonderful. We can still hear the freight trains go by."
Besides railroad history, the shop also contains a lot of Decatur history as well. With the Holidays soon upon us, the Wabash Depot Antique Centre is getting ready. During the holiday season, there is a big Christmas tree decorated with new and old ornaments for sale, the shop is decorated and ready for business. November 4-5, 2006 is the Wabash Depot Antique Centre's open house. "We have music, refreshments and dealer specials. It is a great place for holiday shopping!" Also going on over the Wabash Depot Antique Centre Open House on November 3, is the First Friday Gallery Walk. Located at 160 E. Main, 117 N. Water, 125 N. Water & 143 E. Prairie artists, hors d'oeuvres, musicians and art at four unique galleries is an option. Held from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. the event is free and handicapped accessible. Call (217)423-3189 for details. Also that same weekend is the opening of the Holiday Market Place. From November 3-December 23 the holiday marketplace is occurring at 510 on Prairie (Gallery 510) 143 E. Prairie. With a wide array of original artwork for sale by more than 20 artists open from Wed-Fri 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. the event is free admission and handicapped accessible. Call (217) 422-1509 for details. Check out the Decatur Visitor's Bureau website for more ideas about great things happening over the holidays in Decatur at http://www.decaturcvb.com/calendar.html.
With these and many other great reasons to come Decatur drive to the Wabash Depot Antique Centre and to see the mother daughter team and check out what one thousand feet of shopping space at the Wabash Depot Antique Centre has to offer! Open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., the store is located at 780 East Cerro Gordo, Decatur, Illinois 62523. Call 217-233-0800 if you have questions.
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