Volunteers representing IBEW 124 pictured. Top row from left to right: Danny Spencer-JATC and Mike Filardo. Bottom row pictured from left: Business Representatives Roger Lake and Rudy Chavez, Jeff Bates, Emily Snyder, Zach Courtoise, and Chris Barnes. Volunteers not pictured: Mike Damico, Steve Morales, and Mike Chambers.

The IBEW LOCAL 124 provided the final touches for the Higginsville Historical Train Depot Museum restoration when 11 volunteers spent their Saturday completing the lighting renovation. Danny Spencer with the IBEW 124 JATC helped the organization by securing a vendor for LED lighting which also helping to reduce their overhead expenses. The volunteers strategically laid out the lighting renovation design to ensure the least amount of penetration while keeping with the goal to maintain the integrity of the historical structure. “Volunteering our time is something IBEW 124 does to build relationships in our communities. It is tricky working on historical buildings and keeping their integrity. The goal is always to keep the integrity of the structure.” said volunteer, Roger Lake.

The Chicago & Alton Railroad Depot located at 2113 Main St in Higginsville, MO was built in 1889. It operated as a functioning depot for 80 years. The last passenger train was in April 1960, nine years later the last freight train stopped, the depot closed soon after. After passing several hands it had fallen in despair. Charles Aversman purchased the building, authentically restoring the last depot in Lafayette County back to its’ original condition. The depot was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Mr. Aversman’s fatal illness forced the sale of the historic facility. The Harvey J. Higgins Historical Society purchased the Depot to House the organizations museum, archives and act as a meeting place for the group. The historical organization is forever grateful to IBEW Local 124 for their volunteer work and for installing the new lights around the 132 year old depot.