Dermody Family Revitalizes Sparta Train Station

by Rose Sgarlado
SPARTA – Family, friends and local dignitaries gathered last Saturday, Oct. 1 at an official dedication event to show their gratitude and support to the Dermody family, the name behind the reincarnation of the Sparta Train Station and its new concept Train Creative.
The event honored the late William E. Dermody, Jr., a man of great ingenuity who inspired his children and grandchildren to build, create, and share their passion with the community, most recently through the redeveloped Sparta Train Station.
"This station dedication to William E. Dermody, Jr. is intended to remind future generations of the commitment and sacrifice of those who went before us to make Sparta what it is today," said his son William E. Dermody III.
William Dermody IV also weighed in about his grandfather and the end result.
“Sparta Train Station, as a symbol of ingenuity, perseverance, momentum, and strength, embodies the values that our grandfather demonstrated. As this station once was the beginning and end of many journeys, may it bear witness to a new era of prosperity for the community it will now serve.”
The project began for the Dermodys in 2008 with the purchase of the land above Station Road, currently the site of the Sparta P.A.L. Building. The family’s goal was to develop a recreation area for the town, as well as to refurbish the train station and bring it new meaning as Director Katelyn Leondi explains:
“The Sparta Train Station has been reinvented as non-profit organization preserved for the use and enjoyment of the community offering a rail museum and inspiring backdrop for creative training experiences through Train Creative. The station was rebuilt to replicate the original structure conveying old world charm and spirit of the station.”
Train Creative is a 501-C3 not-for-profit status due to its historical location and nature as art inspired and community driven.
“Train Creative is an educational center to bring awareness to adults and children where they can learn new art forms,” said Leondi.
Traincreative.org is the website that serves as the conduit for accessing the space for both instructors and students. For a nominal fee instructors can rent the 1,000 square-foot train station space and promote their classes, collect student fees and build a following via the website. Likewise students can enroll in art, design, photography and educational lectures.
At the event, featured speaker and local Sussex County historian Wayne McCabe educated the captive audience by highlighting the significance of the station because it played a major role in economic development by bringing tourists to the area and also transporting finished products in the middle of the twentieth-century.
"As a historian I have seen the loss of many buildings, but rarely do you find something that is a phoenix that rises out of the ashes to become something,” said McCabe. "As a historian, I thank you on behalf of the community for this great gift.”
The Sparta Train Station has an excellent relationship with the Sparta Historical Society and will be partnering in future events.
"This was a wonderful celebration day for Sparta keeping history alive, and looking toward the future. Together, we hope to enrich the lives of our townspeople and beyond by inviting them to our historic sites: the Sparta Train Station and the Van Kirk Homestead Museum and History Education Center,” commented Marjorie L. Strohsahl, co-founder of Sparta Historical Society.
Following the speaking portion of the ceremony, a bronze plaque featuring Bill Jr.’s portrait was unveiled by Bill Dermody IV, with the entire family by his side. After the dedication, Reverend David McDonnell of Our Lady of the Lake Parish gave a blessing of the Sparta Train Station. Attendees enjoyed cuisine from a variety of New Jersey’s food trucks and caterers, as well as tours of the train station and property.
In closing remarks, William Dermody III reflected on the significance of the day:
"My father was an entrepreneur who loved Sparta. When you took a 20-minute walk with Dad, it would take 40 minutes because he stopped and said hello to everyone. I miss him everyday – I am grateful to my Dad and Mom. We love this part of town, and I know he would be very happy with what it has become.”
For those who would like to view the new Sparta Train Station, the Sussex County Heritage Tour will be held there on Saturday, Oct. 8 and Sunday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sparta Train Station and Train Creative is located at 30 Station Road, Sparta, NJ 07871
For more information on Train Creative go to: www.traincreative.org or contact Katelyn Leondi at 973-940-3330.