Depots welcomed many folks to Webb City

Railroad trains; they capture the imagination of young boys; they fascinate the dreamer; they thrill the thrill seekers; and they live on in old movies and stories of travels and adventure. Trains were the common mode of transportation for many generations.

When Webb City first came into existence, the closest railroad station was in Oronogo. To get to Webb City from the station was a long stagecoach ride on muddy rutted roads. Railroad companies that were keeping an eye on the growth of Webb City finally decided it was time to have a railroad station in Webb City. Frisco was the first to establish itself in Webb City, and the first railroad station was on Fourth Street – but only for a short time.

The Frisco depot was built at Daugherty and Madison streets in 1879, when Webb City was only three years old. This fine red-brick establishment gained the reputation of being the finest depot in the state of Missouri. The large waiting rooms made the depot inviting to those who were entering Webb City, and many people were coming here by train. Some were just passing through; some stepped off the train and stayed a lifetime; and others traveled here and there returning to Webb City as an anchor in their lives.

Within two years, Webb City had the Missouri Pacific depot on the east side of town, located between Webb City and Carterville. It was just across from the Center Creek Mining Co., where the first piece of lead was discovered in Webb City. The Missouri Pacific depot was not as fancy as the Frisco depot, but it offered a charm that made it popular.

One of the assets of the Missouri Pacific Depot was the station agent, Josiah Grant Wilbur. From 1888 to 1936, passengers were welcomed to Webb City by Wilbur and received well-wishes as they departed. If anyone was a frequent traveler they became best friends with J.G. Wilbur. The personality of Wilbur offered friendship and assistance. He had the reputation of being helpful, truthful and faithful. He volunteered in Webb City to assist the young men at the YMCA and lead them down the path of success. He and his wife opened their home at 722 W. Daugherty St. to friends and family. Both were loved and respected.

Many stories have been shared of traveling on a train from city to city. Many movies center on train travel. I have a story shared by a boy named Tom who went on his first train ride in 1938. Just entering the hustle and bustle of the train depot was exciting to this 12-year-old boy. He watched large wooden wagons move passenger’s luggage out to the train’s baggage car. He watched the people dressed in a variety of clothes saying goodbye to family before getting on the train. There were quite a few things to catch the amusement of the young boy.

Once young Tom was on the train, his eye almost forgot to blink as he took in all the excitement. There was even a toilet on the train at the end of the coach car. Being a curious young man, Tom had to venture down to take a look at the toilet. He stepped inside and just for fun and curiosity, he flushed it. He was surprised to see the roadbed through the toilet drain. (You might want to watch your step if you are walking along the rails!)

Tom, along with his family, traveled on the train all the way to Chicago. If Tom’s eyes were big when he entered the Frisco Depot in Webb City, they must have really been big when he entered the Chicago Union Station, as it was scary and loud. Voices seemed to boom through the large building, along with the constant announcements of trains coming and going. It was a big adventure for a boy of 12 in 1938.

It is interesting to look at pictures of the many train stations, as each is unique in its own way. Some have survived the changes in transportation, and some have become eyesores. Some have been refurbished and are being used for other venues. But the railroad trains and the railroad stations are a big part of history and deserve to be treated with respect.

While you’re in King Jack Park, you can learn about the history of railroads and streetcars in Webb City at the two pavilions contributed by Jim Dawson and the Dawson Heritage Foundation.