CALLICOON, NY — Come along as we travel the rollercoaster hills and winding roads of the Oregon Turnpike in Pennsylvania, on the way to our final destination, the Hamlet of Callicoon in Sullivan County, NY.

There, at the crossroads of Upper Main Street, River Road, and Lower Main Street, is the historic Callicoon Train Depot. After a fire destroyed the original train station in 1888, it was rebuilt by the Erie Railroad.

The Callicoon Depot’s lasting impact was to bring immigrants to the area. As the population grew, the Callicoon Depot became the heart of the town’s center. But, with the passage of years, the demand for rail service wound down. In 1966, the final train left the station. 

The depot lay dormant for many years. 

The renaissance

As Callicoon developed into the prosperous community it is today, community leaders looked at revitalizing the depot, and the Callicoon Train Depot Visitor Center Project was born. The project aims to restore and transform the historic depot into a dynamic community asset.

On July 16, the project partners—Callicoon Depot Inc., the Callicoon Business Association ,and the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway—held a town hall meeting at the Delaware Youth Center to provide progress updates on the restoration.

Tim Bruno, general manager of WJFF Radio Catskill, moderated a lively discussion among participants and guests.

Randall Bushart, historian and director of the Callicoon Depot, lauded the generosity of the many people, through gifts and donations, who are making it all possible. Having period furniture, original notes and letters, and other authentic memorabilia will add charm, elegance, and historical detail to the gallery exhibits.

Darko Hreljanovic, president of Callicoon Depot Inc., shared the details and timelines of the restoration process. “It is a gem and rare to have such a historic asset,” he said.

Throughout his nearly 40-year career, Hreljanovic, a graduate of Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art and Planning. has worked on a number of award-winning projects. He belongs to the American Institute of Architects and serves on the New York chapter’s transportation committee. 

Nicole Valance, president of the Callicoon Business Association, outlined the overall project and its significance to the local businesses and community. The Callicoon Depot will promote the region and its economic development, and serve as a hub for cultural, artistic, civic and educational activities, all while fostering a sense of community and regional pride.

Richard Lowe III discussed the many collaborations that have made the project a reality, calling the depot an “incredible community resource.” Among the amenities being considered for the depot is a gallery, gift shop, ADA-accessible restrooms, and high-speed internet.

Parking a concern

Attendees asked about parking: Can the small hamlet sustain the increased tourism the depot may bring?

Parking needs will be addressed both on-site and through a comprehensive, hamletwide parking study undertaken in cooperation with the Town of Delaware. The restoration work is being made possible by a longstanding New York state grant to the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway to develop a visitors center. Grants from Sullivan Renaissance and Sullivan County and contributions from private individuals are also boosting the project.

For more information, visit https://www.thecallicoondepot.org.