The Old Depot

From Our Island Heritage, Vol. 2 - Compiled by Sophie Haley & Mickie Smith - Commemorating Frontier Days 1977 - June 24-25, 1977 - Sicily Island, Louisiana:

Back in the days before radio or T.V., residents of the area took their fun where they found it and the old depot was the spot which provided many a pleasant Sunday afternoon.

Two trains a day passed through the village of Sicily Island; one going toward Natchez, Mississippi from Monroe, Louisiana and one coming back from Natchez to Monroe.  Much of the community's business was conducted in Natchez, and the best way to get there was by train.  Also, many excursions for pleasure were offered by train. 

Sunday was a special time for residents to gather at the depot to meet and visit with those coming into town or passing through, and to get the news of what was going on in the city.

Clarence "Bud" Scott, Sr.

The Bud Scott Band of Natchez was often engaged to play for dances here which were most often held in the double parlors of Gillis House, though sometimes at the Woodman Hall or in the Red Cross building.  

The arrival of the band was an occasion to bring out all the young folks to watch the band unload and to follow them to Mr. John Knight's store porch where they would set up for a short concert to advertise the dance.  Link to Bud Scott

Depot agents usually lived above the depot.  Older residents will remember the Fred Chambless family having lived there for awhile before building his home here.  Mr. Chambless came here as depot agent in 1911 and served as agent until he retired.