The Moving of History

MT PLEASANT — When the Oakland Mills and Mt. Pleasant communities had to say goodbye to Butch’s February 2021, no one thought the building itself would be taken down, however, even one small part remains: the depot.

The historic K-line flag stop depot was noticed and preserved through the volunteer efforts of a group of local men.

After significant hours of preparation and labor, the depot was moved Wednesday morning.

Much like all things historical, the moving of the depot got, complicated.

As the men first began to load the small building, the back foundation crumbled and the structure quickly went crooked.

Ed Smith and Kevin Wellington took charge of the situation and refused to give up on the group’s hard work, and this little piece of Henry County history.

With the help of the other volunteers, Lynn Conrad, Danny Graber, Jerry Barker, and Justice Wellington, Smith and Kevin Wellington were able to successful load and move the depot.

“It held up pretty good for being built in the 1800s,” Conrad said.

Conservation Board Director Caleb Waters and Daniel Housh of Breuer Towing & Recovery (owned & operated by Ryan & Danielle Ensminger) were crucial in this endeavor.

They lent knowledge, able bodies, and even the necessary equipment.

Rich McNamee and the Sheriff’s Office helped to direct traffic as the depot made the slow journey to it’s next stop.

The depot still is not in it’s forever home, but it has been moved to a safe space while restoration takes place.

Conrad and the Conservation Board are discussing possible final destinations for the structure at this time.

While the depot was originally built near the church in Oakland Mills, for the last 60 years the depot’s home was where Butch’s River Rock Cafe once stood.

Butch’s was not the same sort of history as a two century old depot, but it was a beloved restaurant in the community, which closed after the unexpected passing of the owner and namesake Butch Bittle.

Despite Butch’s not being the focus of this volunteer project, having a piece of the place still around is bound to be appreciated.

From a depot, to a store, to a restaurant and more, the history of this small building continues to grow.

Update: a previous version of this article miss-named Breuer Towing & Recovery (owned & operated by Ryan & Danielle Ensminger).

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com