A 1930s view from the Depot
by Barry Bauer
This circa 1939 photo (judging by the newest car in the background on the right) was taken at the St. Johns Depot facing west. There’s some indication as to what the event was for and it’s obvious that it drew a lot of spectators along with a marching band.
No factual information is on hand at this time.
It’s suggested this was a sendoff for these young men in this photo who had been inducted into military service and about to board a train.
The commercial buildings we see in the photo are gone now including the Standard gas station on the N.W. corner of Clinton Ave. and Railroad street. The train tower in the background came down when a west bound train hit a semi-truck attempting to cross the tracks. The tower is now at the Clinton Northern Railway Museum at the Depot.
The E. C. Smith grain elevator building on the right in the background was eventually replaced by a lumber company building and that company has since left town.