The Friends of the Big Four Depot has announced an event in celebration of National Train Day on Sunday, May 18, at 1 p.m. for tours of this historic landmark, followed by a speech by featured speaker Mark J. Camp at 2 p.m.
Mark J. Camp is an associate professor of geology at the University of Toledo, a position he has held since 1976. He has a Ph.D from the Ohio State University and a M.S. and B.S. from the University of Toledo. His early research has been in the area of nonmarine malacology of Quaternary lacustrine deposits and he is responsible for assembling a large reference collection at UT.
In later years, his interests have focused on the history of building stone and brick use in Ohio. In geological circles, he is perhaps best known for his popular books; “Roadside Geology of Indiana,” “Roadside Geology of Ohio,” and “Ohio Oil and Gas.”
Camp serves as a national director of the Railroad Station Historical Society supporting his other main interest railroad history. He maintains the website of this organization of railroad historians and rail fans. He is the author of five Arcadia books on local history: “Railroad Depots of Northwest Ohio,” “Railroad Depots of West Central Ohio,” “Railroad Depots of Northeast Ohio,” “Railroad Depots of Central Ohio,” and “Railroad Depots of Southwest Ohio.” He has photographed depots across the states and provinces of North America many of which have long since been removed.
There will be a book signing following the event. Plus, there will be raffles and merchandise on hand with proceeds going towards future Depot restoration and preservation projects.
Please bring your own lawn chairs and remember there are no public restrooms available on site. Light refreshments will be provided. For further information, please call 419-468-2944 or e-mail friendsofthebig4depot@gmail.com. You may also visit the Facebook page.