All aboard for a historic trip through time opening to the public in Kingsburg

KINGSBURG, Calif. (KFSN) -- A piece of Valley history opens to the public this Saturday in Kingsburg. The Kingsburg Depot offers visitors a chance to take a trip back in time along the railroad tracks.

The Historic Kingsburg Depot has been frozen in time. It looks just like it did back in 1923 and the office gives you the sense this is a regular work day.

Trains still roll past the depot every day, but they haven't picked anyone up since 1968. The man you see when you arrive dressed like a conductor is Larry Esau. Esau is president of the Friends of the Historic Kingsburg Depot.

"We started in 1984 with an idea to save this depot when many in the Valley were being torn down or moved away from the tracks."

The group raised $900,000 through private donations and another million through a federal grant to return the depot to its old glory. The refurbished freight room is already being used for educational visits and even receptions.

"We don't have anything like this, a community center, and I really believe just like the depot was back in the day it's really going to come back and be that center focal point," said Michelle Roman, Kingsburg Mayor.

When school kids come through on tour they learn about travel in the 1920's. And with everyone dressed in clothing from that era the building really does come to life.

"They'll have anything from a cell phone, we'll look at them and we stay in character and say what is that? Wow," said Roman.

Kids can see Kingsburg's first phone, which obviously can't take pictures.

"This is the only one (depot) that's restored to historically accurate configuration. Original still by the train tracks, not been moved," said Esau.

From Kingsburg, New Orleans was the end of the line, but now families and history buffs can take a sentimental journey.