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HISTORY
1882
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The Starbuck Depot was built on land that was a part of the
Andrew Hagenson farm. It was originally known as the Little Falls & Dakota
Railroad, and later as the LF & D Branch. The Northern Pacific Railroad
soon purchased it. In the railroad world Starbuck was known as SB68, then
SB53568 in the computer era. 
Photo:
Starbuck Times
Rail service extended from Little Falls to Morris with
passenger service twice a day and freight once a day. The first train arrived
in Starbuck on November 10, 1882 and was heralded by the sound of a shrill
steam whistle. Six sidetracks were in use. Many used the railroad service for
Starbuck's clinic and hospital, which were the only medical facilities
available in the area.
Freight service was vital to the economic expansion of
Starbuck. Types of freight received included building supplies, farm machinery,
medical and hospital supplies, daily mail, coal, etc. Farm products were
shipped out by rail until the mid 1950s.
Before the advent of diesel engines, steam engines were
used that required water periodically. Starbuck's water tower was located two
blocks east of the depot. In conjunction with this water tower there was a
brick pump house. Water was pumped into the tower from a cistern located in the
northwest corner where the railroad and street intersected. The water was being
supplied by a flowing well.
1954
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Passenger service terminated.
1969
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Telegraph service had been in use until this year. A winter
storm took the lines down in 1969 and they were never replaced. Telegraph
service was important as a means of private communication and served as
documentation for legal purposes.
1970
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Northern Pacific merges. The merger of Northern Pacific, Great
Northern, Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroads formed the Burlington
Northern Railroad.
1983
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On July 1, the World's Largest Lefse was created on the depot
grounds in celebration of Starbuck's Centennial.
1983
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The last train unceremoniously leaves Starbuck on July
15th.
RESTORATION BEGINS
1986
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The Starbuck Depot Society was formed for the purpose of
restoring this prominent landmark.
1987
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On May 16, the first annual Lefse Dagen was held to commemorate
the achievement of baking the World's Largest Lefse and to hold an open house
celebration at the depot, site of this historic event.
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