Finally! After 18 long years... give or take a month... the work is done. The restorations of the 1887 Southern Pacific Railway Depot, and the 1919 Rancho Sespe Bunk house and the 1905 Hinckley house and the original Bardsdale Post Office are completed. Now... with the campus landscaping finally finished... it was time to celebrate. So celebrate they did... last Sunday.

As Fillmore Historical Museum president Martha Gentry explains: “The aftermath of the the 1994 Northridge earthquake saw the beginning of the development of the museum site starting with the move of the Hinckley house from its location on 1 st Street. This was followed by the move of the bunkhouse in 1995 and finally the move of the depot to its current location along the (Fillmore & Western Railway) tracks. All the buildings had to be restored with the depot finished in 2007. This year we finished the long awaited landscaping of the site.”
It's amazing... and a delight... to see all that's been accomplished at the Museum site. But financially speaking, just how did all this get done one wonders. “Except for the depot restoration, which was partially funded by a Cal Trans grant,” said Gentry, “all the financial support for the work has been provided over the years by the generosity of our members and local groups such as the Masonic Temple Association, and from the sale of fireworks, and other fund raisers held along the way.” Gentry adds, “because of the foresight of our founder, Edith Jarrett, we have been able to continue the projects even when funds were tight.” And speaking of donations, Gentry pointed out that Chevron donated several crepe myrtle trees planted around the museum campus and Ameron here in Fillmore donated light fixtures.

Though the restoration work is done, as with any business, there are ongoing maintenance and operating expenses. To help balance the budget, the folks of the Fillmore Historical Museum are offering certain facilities as a venue for meetings or special occasions. While walking around the wonderfully restored Depot it's easy to see the potential for many kinds of events.

For anyone interested in perpetuating their name in a memorable way... the Historical Museum is offering engraved pavers for sale at $100.00 each. Imagine being a part of history... forever! Or, these can be engraved in memory of... or in honor of... individuals as desired by the purchaser. The pavers will be set in the courtyard starting in front of the gazebo. Not only will your name be immortalized... the cost of a paver is tax deductible... as are all donations to the museum. But best not to dawdle... there is only space for just so many engraved pavers.

Our geographical area is replete with interesting history. Accordingly, the Fillmore Historical Museum is poised to serve the interests of tourists as well as residents of the community. The Museum proudly boasts of having a great variety of displays along with intriguing stories of the history of the Sespe, Piru, Bardsdale and Fillmore communities. One could easily spend a day exploring the restored buildings and their contents. Check the tools in the Hinckley garage. Check the unique utensils in the Hinckley house kitchen and ponder having had to use any of them. Huddle around an always intriguing pot-belly stove imagining it's warmth on a chilly day. And the wondrous Remington typewriter... even before the days of White-Out... you know... that correction fluid miracle. Seeing all these marvelous old wonders of yesteryear... well... waxing nostalgia is so irresistible.

Gentry extended a special note of thanks to current sitting board of directors of the museum as well as the countless others who have served as members of the board for their energy and enthusiasm as the project moved forward to make the museum a valuable part of the community. Valuable indeed!

This magnificent tribute to history should no longer remain a secret. The Fillmore Historical Museum is located at 350 Main Street... on the north side of the railroad tracks. See you there soon? Oh... while you're there enjoying the fabulous history on display... why not sign up as a member and become a part of this fabulous project? Just a thought.

Aside from a lunch hour break, operational hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m... and during special events. Special tours are available by appointment. Phone number is 805-524-0948. Email : fillmore.museum@sbcglobal.net.