Santa Fe Train Depot
The Santa Fe Train Depot is one of the oldest structures in downtown Hemet. The passenger section was built in 1914. The freight room of a previous depot, constructed in 1898, was moved and incorporated into the current depot. In 1987 a group of residents banded together to “Save Our Station” (SOS) to ensure that the landmark would remain at the corner of State Street and Florida Avenue. Members of the nonprofit group raised money and awareness for the frame and stucco depot and spent 11 years restoring it. The station lobby (passenger section) has been converted into a cafe type venue. The freight house houses the Hemet Museum. In 2008, SOS merged with the Hemet Area Museum Association and the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Historical Society to form the Hemet Heritage Foundation to expand preservation efforts throughout the San Jacinto Valley.
Hemet, Riverside County”
Photographer: Jeanne Roberts