Train Depot Memories

I am young compared to some Haigler elders and advisors; I was born December 7, 1939.

I remember a Bobby Train with one engine and one passenger car stopping at the Haigler train depot. The Troopers were out of McCook - Kiwanis, Rotary, Shriners??? I don't know which, but they marched up Main Street playing tubas, clarinets, saxaphones, drums and accordians. They often threw candy to the kids.

When the Troop Train from World War II came home, I ran to the depot to see a lot of uniformed men getting off the train. One was my brother. I ran home as fast as I could, bashful for two weeks. I didn't know this stranger, Lester, my brother.

I was intrigued with the train depot and Mr. Childers, the Agent. The telegraph codes being sent. Mr. Childers was also our Boy Scout Troop Leader and I think the Scout Shack still stands out by the railroad bridge west of Haigler.

The depot was also a stop to pick up milk and cream.

I also remember the U.S. Mail pick-up that hung up very close to the tracks in a canvas bag. When the Zepher came by, (didn't even slow down) it was snagged by a mechanical arm that grabbed it. Once a big block of ice flew off the train and hit a telephone pole, shattering it to millions of pieces. I was just about 20-30 feet behind the pole. I think the pole saved my life.

Submitted by Dallas Adams