History continues to be preserved in the City of Valor. Leeds is gaining recognition as the headquarters for the Mid-South Chapter of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society (R&LHS).

Celebrating its annual meeting, the Mid-South Chapter was asked to host this year’s festivities.

Members of the R&LHS consist of railroad historians, authors, researchers, preservationists and enthusiasts. Visiting a different location each year, the Mid-South Chapter was honored for 16 states to visit the historic Leeds Depot.

Marvin Clemons, president of the Mid-South Chapter of R&LHS, has turned his boyhood love of trains into more than just a hobby.

“What a wonderful opportunity to have this chapter here,” said Clemons. “The City of Leeds and the Leeds Historical Society are so gracious to let us have our meetings here. They have been a great support to R&LHS.”

Striving to preserve much of the Leeds Depot to its original condition, the Mid-South Chapter is currently restoring the agent’s office.

Also, an exhibit is being developed to honor charter member Frank Ardrey, who was a nationally known railroad photographer, mostly for his work done in Birmingham in the 1940s.

Paying homage to Birmingham’s Terminal Station, there is a wall dedicated to the terminal’s heyday.

“This is a significant museum. We showcase photographs and equipment. It’s a compliment to what’s in Leeds and around the greater Birmingham area,” Dr. Carl Marbury, a member of the Board of Directors for the R&LHS said.

During the Mid-South Chapter members’ time in Leeds and the Greater Birmingham area, the group will tour venues dealing with railroad, mining and manufacturing. They will visit Sloss Furnace, Norfolk Southern and the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera.

Establishing the Mid-South Chapter in 2008, the group welcomes the chance to gain new members.

“We meet the second Saturday, every other month at 2 p.m. at the Leeds Depot,” said Clemons. “Our meetings feature a guest speaker who generally discusses railroad history. We also go on outings and field trips to points of interest.”

Built in 1884 by Georgia Pacific Railway, Leeds Depot was donated to the City of Leeds and remodeled in 1984.

First time visitors to the Leeds Depot and members of the R&LHS made comments such as, “This is impressive, It’s really cool that they preserved this building and This is absolutely terrific.”

Continuing their travels down the tracks, the Mid-South Chapter members of R&LHS enjoy creating history in the making.

“The Leeds Depot is a work in progress and always will be,” said Clemons.

For more information on the Mid-South Chapter of Railway and Locomotive Historical Society contact Marvin Clemons at 205-533-1177 or by email at mclem46@att.net.