Depot recives National Historic Landmark status...finally
By Kyle Valentini
June 29, 2011
287
Summary: An eleven year journey has led Dennison down a path of honor as they received National Historic Landmark status when Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar signed the designation package on June 17. It was made official on June 20 and on June 29, was announced to the public in a ceremony that was miraculously kept secret by a loyal staff that wanted to share the excitement with members of the community.
After eleven years of tireless effort, The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum has finally achieved the honor of being Ohios 70th National Landmark.
After repeated failed attempts to begin the process of applying for status as a National Landmark, Wendy Zucal, Director at The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, took advantage of a program being held at The Tuscarawas County Library in November of 2001, where she could be face to face with a National Park Service employee that helped the Depot get its foot in the door to begin the long, complicated, mostly uphill process.
Under blue skies on the morning of June 29, Zucal took time to honor all those that assisted in the process as she announced to members of the public and the press the exciting news.
From Depot board members past and present, elected officials, Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitor Bureau staff, volunteers and two very special members of the audience, Anna Rufenacht, who served as a volunteer during World War II, helping to feed over a million soldiers as they passed through the Canteen at the Depot and Joe Nazionale, who served in World War II and was honored with seven Bronze Stars for his actions, Zucal recognized all that helped make it possible.
Dennison, as you know has a very special and unique history, the railroad history which was our beginning and put us as the most direct route between New York and St. Louis, our WWI Canteen and our WWII Canteen. Dennison has made constant contributions to our state and national history since 1864 and for those reasons we thought we could apply to become a National Historic Landmark, said Zucal.
From the beginning people said it couldnt be done. People said, really? Do you really think Dennison could do that? We always thought that we were worthy, said Zucal.
National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Today, fewer than 2,500 historic places bear this national distinction and only 70 in Ohio. Working with citizens throughout the nation, the National Historic Landmarks Program draws upon the expertise of National Park Service staff that work to nominate new landmarks and provide assistance to existing landmarks.
What an honor to get this landmark. We have so much history in this county, it is unreal, said Greg DiDonato, former mayor of Dennison. DiDonato was one of the earliest supporters of the museum and as mayor was instrumental in having the village purchase the building so it would not be demolished. The history here and the honor that has been bestowed on us today reflect on everybody. Wendy is one these persons, you dont tell her you cant do it.
Mayor Teri Edwards issued a proclamation and declared Wednesday, June 29, 2011 Dennison Depot Day in the village. The prestige that this brings to this building is immense but even that is overshadowed by the pride I feel in the staff that made this possible. The hours of toil, the frustration of waiting, the fear of failure, but still they persevered, said Edwards. I congratulate the Depot staff and all that helped make yesterdays dream todays brilliant reality.
Coffee and doughnuts were served by costumed volunteers portraying Red Cross nurses and helpers from the WWII era.
In closing Zucal shared her version of a favorite quote from Abraham Lincoln. "The world will little note nor long remember what we say here but it can never forget what happened here, said Zucal.
