PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM
FERNLEY PRESERVATION SOCIETY
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HEADLINE:

LAST CALL, THE WHISTLE IS BLOWING:
THIS TRAIN IS PULLING OUT OF THE STATION

The 1914 Fernley & Lassen Depot Museum project at 675 East Main Street, Fernley, Nevada is closing it’s doors. It is with deep regret that the Fernley Preservation Society (FPS) was unable to reach an agreement with the City of Fernley to maintain its extensive collection of both railroad (including rolling stock) and other historical items within the Fernley Depot and on the surrounding grounds.

Despite several years, many dollars and hours invested in seeking private legal counsel, the FPS has lost it's battle on several fronts. The building, which was held by the FPS since 1986, was maintained as much as possible while preservation and re-building were being carried out on several levels with various sources of funds under the guidance of the FPS.

When the City evicted the group, they were no longer allowed to enter the grounds nor the building and outbuildings which housed an extensive amount of archival-quality materials. Sadly, "Items have been stolen from the Depot grounds and buildings during the time in which the FPS was forbidden to enter the property without City supervision." There is no way, added Miss Sanders that we have the manpower and time to identify their origins and properly place them with either individuals, organizations or museums who could preserve everything from ephemera to hardware; furnishings to textiles.

Now, faced with a 90-day eviction notice, the dwindling membership, led by local resident Linda Sanders is seeking to return items to those families and groups who originally made contributions toward the preservation of local history.

It is ironic, say many members of the community, that while the City undertakes a new campaign aimed recreating Main Street, they have chosen to ignore the jewel which founding families have dedicated themselves to over many years. In the past, annual events were staged at the depot during holidays, and open houses were held on weekends.

If any organization have an interest in the destination and preservation of items from the collection please contact Linda Sanders, Fernley Preservation Society. Items must be picked up before May 1, 2014. Otherwise FPS will be forced to dispose of things at their own discretion.

Does anyone have current photos of the Nevada Copper Belt caboose? Inside and out?