Historical Society names Depot worker "2003 Volunteer of the Year"

Model railroading is a pastime John K. Campbell of Salem thoroughly enjoys. During the past three years as director of model railroad operations for The Depot railroad museum, he has spent thousands of hours working on the museum's massive model railroad.

That's why he questioned his recent selection as the Washington County Historical Society's "Volunteer of the Year." "It just doesn't seem right that when someone enjoys something so much, they get honored for doing it," Campbell said as he accepted a plaque from historical society president Willie Harlen.

The Depot is an all-volunteer organization and Campbell is one of the charter members of the volunteer team. Reading from a letter nominating Campbell, Harlen said: "John has been with The Depot since well before it opened. John designed the model railroad that has and continues to be one of our major attractions. John frequently spends entire days at The Depot, working on projects and planning work on the model railroad to be carried out by other volunteers.

The letter also noted: "Without John's involvement, it would have been difficult to get the model railroad project started." Cecil J. Smith, stationmaster at The Depot, praised Campbell's selection as Volunteer of the Year: "John is an extremely valuable and dedicated volunteer and I feel is very deserving of this honor. There are many times if John had not been available and willing to look after The Depot, it would have been necessary to close for the day."

Campbell is often referred to by other Depot volunteers as "Salem John," because he is one of three John Campbells involved with the model railroad project. His son, John Campbell Jr., Salem, did much of the electronics during the initial phase of construction. John G. Campbell, Louisville, spends at least two days a week at The Depot building structures for the model railroad and assisting with other projects. "Louisville John," as he is tagged, was last year's Volunteer of the Year."

The model railroad fills most of the 30x90-foot basement of The Depot. It depicts Salem, Pekin and Campbellsburg as they were in the period 1957-1964. Construction is expected to continue for several years. The Depot railroad museum is part of the John Hay Center and is owned and operated by the Washington County Historical Society.

# # #