For The Transcript
To commemorate the 100th birthday of Norman's Santa Fe Depot on Nov. 18, The Performing Art Studio's Depot Centennial Committee invites the public to submit essays describing their memories of the Norman landmark.
The top three essays will be awarded prizes and be published in The Norman Transcript during Depot Centennial Week, Nov. 15-20.
The first Santa Fe Railroad passenger train came through what would become Norman on June 13, 1887. As train travel gained popularity, the original modest frame depot became increasingly inadequate. In early 1909, city leaders lobbied railroad officials to construct a more substantial building that reflected the growing importance of Norman as the Cleveland County seat and home of the University of Oklahoma. The red brick, Santa Fe Railroad county seat-style station was completed later that year at a cost of $15,000.
"Depot Stories" essays must be 350 words or less. All submissions must include a completed entry form. Typed or electronic submittal is preferred but handwritten entries will be accepted. The deadline for entries is Oct. 30.
Depot Stories contest entry forms are available online at www.normantranscript.com or at The Performing Arts Studio, 200 S. Jones Ave. More information about the essay contest or the centennial celebration is available from the PAS at 307-9320 or pas@thepas.org.
