Lutz Train Depot

In 1907 a railroad was built connecting Tampa to Brooksville and beyond. The engines that powered these trains were wood-​burning so they had to make frequent stops to reload. One of these stops was a station just north of Stemper that was managed by William P. Lutz and his brother Charles. The two brothers named the station after themselves, Lutz.
The Lutz Train Depot was in service from 1907 until 1965. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1966. Around the turn of the century a replica of the old train depot was built to commemorate the original. Today, that replica features a wooden building with a couple of railroad signs in the window, two wooden benches at the back of it, a replica wagon and a small plaque on each side denoting the names of people who were instrumental in bringing the depot back to life.
My overall impression of the Lutz Train Depot is that it has the potential to be more. For starters, what is the story behind the depot. Why did it disappear? Why was it brought back? What did it look like during its heyday? None of this is apparent from the site. Everything I know about it, I learned via the library or the internet. I’d really like the replica depot to answer some of these questions and fill in the gaps of my knowledge base, to become more of an educational site. I love the fact that it was rebuilt, enjoy that it has the names of the people who helped make it a reality carved right into the wood (artistically carved) and that it even features an old piece of equipment for kids (and adults) to climb on. I just want it to go that one step further.
The depot sits in a large grassy area known as Bullard Park. The park exists in the «y» between where the trains turned around. It has been around for years. Bullard Park used to be much bigger but some of the land was taken to build the Lutz Branch library.
If you temper expectations, this place can fulfill many desires. It would be great for a picnic or as a field to play football or soccer. You could sit and watch the traffic on US 41 for a bit or just enjoy some shade on a hot day. Take some minutes at the depot and park to enjoy the present. Try not to inquire too much about the past because you’ll be left with more questions than answers.