RINGLING, OKLAHOMA

Ringling is not quite in New Mexico but it was considered the end of the line for the Ringling District. It is interesting to note that the line extended an additional 5.9 miles past the Ringling depot. This is probably the final distance that the ONM&P reached before being purchased by the Santa Fe.

Passenger Train Schedule November 29, 1942

10:50AM No. 311 Southward Mixed Termination at Ringling from Ardmore
11:10AM No. 310 Northward Mixed to Ardmore

The days of this strange non-standard depot are numbered. The owners are going to attempt one final time to gain a restoration grant. If this does not work they will raze this structure. As you can tell from the photo it is not the most attractive depot on the Santa Fe and is likely too far gone for restoration. However, every depot deserves a chance and Ringling could use a local musuem.

Not only is this depot a non-standard structure it also appears to be little more than a building that was constructed in a hurried fashion at the end of a remote branchline. The depot in Wilson was much more ornate and looked more like a railroad structrue. If the ONM&P had a standard depot Wilson would have been a better choice.

This is the streetside of the Ringling depot. The loading dock is in horrible shape and there are gaping holes all over this depot.

All that identifies this as a Santa Fe depot is the classic mission cross. It has been over 20 years since the last train rolled into Ringling and the Right of Way has all but vanished. How long has it been since this depot had a coat of paint? Unfortunately the Ringling name is not seen anywhere on this depot. It probably was under the mission cross.