Nestled in the heart of Morrisville, Vermont, 10 Railroad Street is more than just a restaurant—it’s a piece of history. The building, originally constructed in 1872, served as the Morrisville Depot, a key station for the Portland and Ogdensburg Railway. Over the years, it has witnessed the transformation of the town, from a bustling railway hub to a charming New England community. Today, it stands as a beautifully preserved historic landmark, offering a unique dining experience in a setting that echoes the past.
The Birth of Morrisville Depot
In the mid-19th century, Vermont was a major supplier of lumber, with vast forests providing raw materials for the growing construction industry. The establishment of the Central Vermont Railroad in 1849 helped transport lumber from the Green Mountains to key trade hubs such as Burlington and Lake Champlain. As railroad lines expanded, Morrisville became an essential stop, prompting the construction of a train depot in 1872.
The Morrisville Depot quickly became a focal point of the community, facilitating both trade and travel. Its decorative Victorian architecture set it apart, featuring intricate wooden carvings, a low gable roof with ornamental brackets, and a scroll-cut frieze along the façade. The depot was not just a transportation hub but also a meeting place where locals gathered to send off loved ones, receive shipments, and stay updated on regional news.
Railway Era and Economic Growth
For several decades, Morrisville flourished as a railway town. The depot played a crucial role in Vermont’s lumber industry, allowing logs to be transported efficiently across the state and beyond. In 1959, it became the headquarters of the St. Johnsbury and Lamoille County Railroad, marking a new chapter in its operational history.
However, as automobile travel and trucking routes became more popular in the mid-20th century, rail transport began to decline. By the 1970s, rail service at Morrisville Depot had largely ceased. The once-busy station found itself at a crossroads, uncertain about its future.
A New Purpose: From Train Depot to Restaurant
Rather than fading into obscurity, the historic depot was repurposed in the early 1980s when it became The Station Restaurant, a cozy eatery that paid homage to its railroad past. Over the next few decades, the building housed different restaurants, including Oriental Station in the 1990s and Melben’s from 2005 to 2010. Each iteration brought new flavors and experiences while maintaining the structure’s historical integrity.
In 2014, the restaurant was rebranded as 10 Railroad Street, offering a menu that blends classic comfort food with modern culinary twists. The establishment retained much of the original depot’s architecture, including the 1884 expansion, which now serves as a brass bar area.
Preserving History and Community Spirit
Recognized as a contributing property in the Morrisville Historic District, the depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Today, it serves as more than just a restaurant—it’s a gathering place for the community, where history meets hospitality.
The transformation of 10 Railroad Street reflects Morrisville’s resilience and ability to adapt while preserving its past. Whether visitors come for a meal, a drink, or simply to admire the historic ambiance, they are stepping into a place rich with stories from a bygone era.