This lot originally held Hope Depot and Joe Slezak's garage and storage building - pretty much the first buildings in Hope.
The rail line through Hope was originally laid by the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad in 1898. The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific took over ownership of the line in 1903. In 1906, a depot was petitioned by local farmers (and granted). And no frills, baby. It originally consisted of nothing more than a couple of converted box cars -
A more traditional depot was built some years later (not sure when - maybe the twenties?)
I think it's safe to assume that the last actual passenger train stopped in Hope way back in the early 60's. And although I'm not exactly sure when the depot itself went away, since it was already gone by the time the 1972 picture (below) was taken, I'm assuming it must've been demolished some time in the late 60s / early 70s -
As mentioned above, Slezak's "shed" also used to be on this lot. As an adjunct to the neighboring General Store & Post Office, this building was used for, oh, just a whole lot of different stuff. I think it was originally built as a feed store (and might actually predate the general store building).
Back in the 40's, Slezak's General Store was in the farm implement business. Said machinary was assembled in the shed by Joe's son Allan - a trade he apparantly learned at Stillwater State Prison!
This lot was purchased circa 1998 by one Stafford Breck (not a Hope resident), who then built the modern storage facility pictured at the top of the page. I'm told he keeps his various cars and other assorted "toys" there. The remnants of Slezak's garage were subsequently torn down.
 Send email to the spooks! |