Stryker parade features refurbished depot cart

     Those who went to the Stryker Homecoming parade on August 17 got a real historic treat. When the float for the Stryker Area Heritage Council went by, there was a piece of Stryker’s history riding on it.
     A baggage cart that is supposed to have come from the Stryker depot was displayed on the float, along with some other local memorabilia.
     The cart was obtained by SAHC during the sale of Short’s Hardware, and it was just refurbished by Virgil Frank. Several council members remember Jim Short saying that the cart came from the Stryker depot and the council was eager to obtain the piece that was a part of the workings at the local train station.
     The cart had a few issues. The boards on each end were not in very good shape and the bearings to turn the wheels needed to be replaced, among other things.
     Virgil Frank restored the wagon, also giving it a good paint job.
     After riding in the parade, the cart was returned to the depot so that it can now be displayed.
     Items on the cart also had historical ties to Stryker. The “hump back” trunk, on the left in the above photo, once belonged to Blanche Vernier. The shipping box has Dr. Goll’s name on it and the other box once belonged to J. P. Lantz of Stryker.
     Thanks to all of the council members who again helped with the parade!!!!