Sunday, October 16, 2022

The Solon Mills Depot

Built around 1902, the old Solon Mills Train Depot was once located just north of Rt. 12 and North Solon Road.

Depot Restaurant Richmond Illinois
Around 1900, The Milwaukee Railroad laid tracks through Solon Mills and it was hopeful that the little village would grow and prosper.  There were at the time, stores, inns, a school and a Methodist church.  There were several saw mills, a grist mill and a cheese and butter factory in this location.

The North Western Railroad however, had tracks going through Richmond so the growth of Solon Mills declined and eventually stopped.

The Train station was relocated to Route 12 and Route 31.  It became the Depot Restaurant and served the community for 50 years.

The restaurant closed in 2021 and it was hoped that the building would be relocated once again.  The W.A McConnell Foundation went through great lengths to raise money for the move however, a new location has not become available for this little historic building and now, it seems all hope is lost and the building will soon be razed.

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