In last week's edition, we took a quick look at Mackinaw history leading up to the 20th century. Which puts us in a perfect chronological position to discuss an incredibly important part of the town’s history: The Mackinaw Depot. Starting in 1895, local development of train lines began. By 1910, lines had been laid through Danville, Champaign, Decatur, Springfield, Bloomington, Peoria, and eventually St. Louis. Mackinaw, as residents could guess, was the stop between Peoria and Bloomington. Collectively, these tracks belonged to an entity known as “The Illinois Terminal Railroad System”.

Starting from humble beginnings, the site of “The Mackinaw Junction” originally hosted a single train car wherein passengers could purchase their tickets. In 1909 construction began on a proper depot building that was completed the next year, in 1910. Making a decision that has to be seen as somewhat daring, the depot was built as an example of Spanish style architecture, though the reason behind this decision is unclear. Regardless, the depot building is one of very few Spanish style buildings in the state and, in my opinion, adds a bit of panache to the city. 

By the end of World War 2, the Illinois Terminal Railroad System was at its height of use. I was quite surprised to learn that in 1945, the railroad system transported just under 10.5 million passengers while also handling over 300,000 freight cars. The railroad also boasted 3 high speed rail cars, which included air conditioning and cushioned individual seats. However, due to increasing competition from cars and trucks, the Illinois Railroad System quickly became obsolete, and the Mackinaw Depot closed its doors in 1953. 

Luckily enough, in 1978 the Mackinaw Historical Society purchased the depot and had it designated as a National Historic Site on the National Registry of Historic Sites - the first building in Tazewell County to be labeled as such. In 1998, Beth Weigand purchased the building and began the tedious job of repairs. Since the building had been labeled a National Historic Site, the repair work had to be done to certain historical standards. Nevertheless, by October of 1998 Beth had opened her shop that would end up evolving into The Tea Room that we all know and love today.