The year 1910 opened in Staples with the opening of a new depot building for the Northern Pacific Railroad.

A previous depot, which apparently dated back to 1889, was replaced with a new structure which was built in the summer and fall of 1909. The new depot building, a solid two story structure with offices on the second floor, opened for use in late December, 1909. The old depot building, which was situated just to the west of the new building, was quickly demolished by the railroad.

That structure has served as the headquarters for railroad activities in Staples, first for the Northern Pacific, later the Burlington Northern and BN-Santa Fe, for nearly 100 years. The Staples depot is still in use today as a passenger depot serving Amtrak passengers daily.

The Staples Historical Society, which has owned the depot building since April of 2008, is observing the centennial of the depot, the last remnant of the once huge Northern Pacific industrial complex at Staples, with several events planned this year.

Some of these events will be fund raising projects. One of those was Cabin Fever Day, which was held on March 7 at the depot, with musical entertainment, games for the kids and other events. A bake sale, silent auction, donations and other fund raising events that day raised over $400.

Other events in the near future, dates not yet determined, are a used book sale and a rummage sale.

On Saturday, May 1, in conjunction with the Staples Rotary Art Show and the Freshwater Student Art Show, the SHS will have a photo and painting display at the depot. Railroad and depot illustrations will be the emphasis of the show, which will be open to the public.

Anyone with railroad photos or paintings and would like to display them is asked to contact either Amy Hunter (218-894-1925) or Judy Richer (218-894-3050). Works taken in the Staples area would be especially welcome, but the display is not limited to just Staples locations.

The SHS is also planning events in conjunction with Railroad Days on Friday and Saturday, August 27 and 28. The events is still being planned, but will likely include a brat feed, musical entertainment, an open house and tours of the depot, including a look at work underway inside the building and around the depot grounds, including landscaping.

Projects currently planned for the Staples depot this summer include resetting and replacing pavers around the depot building and also replacement of the lobby ceiling which suffered water damage last summer. Planting of trees and shrubs in the area west of the depot is set for this spring.