Canby's Depot Museum is on the verge of landing on the Local Register of Historic Resources which could open up potential sources of funding down the road. 

The Canby Depot Museum once housed one of Oregon’s oldest railroad stations and is one of the most iconic fixtures in the community.

But maintaining historic building is laborious and expensive. That is why those most dedicated to preserving Canby’s history are seeking to give the Depot property special historical protections.

Late last year, Canby Historical Society members submitted an application to the city to include the Canby Depot Museum on the Local Register of Historic Resources. On Monday, Jan. 9, Canby Planning Commission members moved to approve a historic zoning overlay. The resolution will now move to Canby City Council for final approval.

A historic designation would not only help members keep a more standardized, accurate and complete record of the Depot’s history, but it will add a competitive advantage for funding and grant opportunities typically restricted to designated properties. This will be crucial for the Depot, as its primary funding resource has been the biannual flea market.

“A historic designation will help us preserve the site and it will be a plus when we apply for grants,” Vice President Ken Daniels said in an October press release.

Any renovations or changes made to the Depot will also require a more robust, transparent and public input stage under historic designation.

Built between 1891 and 1892, Canby’s Southern Pacific Railroad Depot was crucial in the early development of Canby as a shipping and distribution center on Southern Pacific’s mainline that linked Portland and California. The Depot, located then in downtown Canby, brought economic opportunities and permanent residents to Canby.

Myra Weston, former co-owner of the Canby Herald and a charter member of the Canby Historical Society, once described the Depot as “the heart of the city which has grown up around it,” according to city documents.

The Depot was officially declared a “historic site” by Canby City Council on Oct. 25, 1978, following its closure and severance from the Southern Pacific Transportation Company. Southern Pacific donated the Depot to the city, stipulating that it be removed from their property.

In 1983, the Depot was moved from its original location on NW 2nd Avenue to its current location at the Clackamas County Event Center fairgrounds, where it was converted into a museum. Station agent Herman Bergman was instrumental in preserving the structure and turning it into a museum. He served as the museum director.

Some members of the Planning Commission, primarily Commissioner Chris Calkins, would like to see the Depot back at or near its original location, arguing that it would be a boon for tourism.

But Commissioner Judi Jarrosh, who is also a member of the Heritage and Landmark Commission, told fellow commissioners that moving the Depot is a feat easier said than done.

“The likelihood of getting a grant to get something like that moved is not like it was 50 years ago,” she said. “Staff is slammed, so trying to get people to manage and go through state grant systems is a lot of work.”

Still wanting to keep the option of moving the building open, commissioners approved a recommendation that city council explores opportunities to move the Depot as they come.