The Pillars of our Past: Remembering the Sycamore and the Depot




In the St. Charles region, history isn’t just found in books; it was once rooted in our soil and built into our timber. As James Willis and I documented in our books, The Lost Lens and The Lost Lens of the Valley, landmarks are the physical touchstones of our memories. When they disappear, a part of our shared story goes with them.

Two landmarks, in particular, stood as sentinels of our hometown: The Sycamore and The Depot.

The Sycamore: A Natural Monument

For generations, the Sycamore stood tall in the main street of St. Charles. It was more than just a tree; it was a meeting place and a constant presence in a town that saw so much change. It watched the boomtown years come and go, providing shade and a sense of permanence to everyone who walked beneath its branches.

Like most old trees, it eventually succumbed to time and returned to the earth. Though it is gone from the main street, it remains rooted in the memories of those who spent their first 18 years—and many more—in its shadow.

The Depot: A Heartbeat Lost to Fire

While the Sycamore left us through the slow cycle of nature, the loss of the Railroad Depot was sudden and jarring. The Depot was the heartbeat of St. Charles, representing the industry and connection that once made us a thriving hub.

To see it burned down was a heartbreak for the entire community. It was an essential part of our history, and seeing such a vital landmark disappear in flames left a void that can never truly be filled.

Preserving What Remains

Growing up in St. Charles, seeing these landmarks disappear is deeply saddening. However, for us, the memories will live in our hearts forever.

This is why James and I are so passionate about reclaiming the "forgotten faces" and stories of our heritage. From Benedict to Ewing, we must hold onto the stories of the places that no longer stand.

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