What is the proper terminology for this structure on the platform of the Keokuk Union Depot? Local people tend to call it the "canopy," while the former Depot Superintendent (CB&Q employee) calls it the "train shed," and I have also seen the term "platform umbrella."

The Keokuk Union Depot Foundation has virtually completed the re-installation of the tile roof, replicating the Depot's 1891 appearance, and will be looking for the next major phase in the restoration project which might be the train shed (lead paint remediation, repainting, etc.)

To round out your list of terms above, I've most commonly heard them called "umbrella shed". They look like an umbrella, and basically serve the same purpose.

Richard -

I seem to recall hearing it described as a "platform roof" or "platform cover".


Les

"Train shed" is often applied to a structure (roof) covering multiple tracks and their platforms.

Richard -

A few years ago, I went to a restaurant in the old Milwaukee Road station in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. I was surprised to see that the local historical society had restored the shed across the tracks from the station. I tried to find a photo on the internet and did eventually manage to find this story about the structure:

http://www.wisconsinhistoricalmarkers.c ... -shed.html

According to the plaque on the restoration, they called it an "umbrella shed".

Les

From years of both being in the building trades and discussing all things railroad with anyone who would listen, my usage is as follows:

Canopy Is a structure that hangs off or is attached to a building.
Train shed Is a structure that encloses the tracks.
Umbrella shed Is a structure between the tracks that covers only the platform.

Thanks for the replies. I now have six possible terms for this structure. I am trying to wean local people away from the term "canopy" and replace it with a more railroad-related term. Old-time CB&Q railroaders probably called it the "train shed" by analogy with the train shed at Union Station, Chicago, even though it didn't span the tracks. So I am left with the following possibilities (unless someone comes up with another suggestion):
Platform Cover
Platform Umbrella
Platform Roof
Umbrella Shed

And yours is really beautiful.

Richard -

Here's another reference; this time from the Library of Congress photo files! Apparently, this "umbrella shed" is an extension for tracks that are (were) beyond track covered by the stations train shed:

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/ga035 ... s.055855p/

The Central of Georgia Savannah station still exists and it would be interesting to know if this particular umbrella shed is still in place. Anyway, one more "vote" for umbrella shed!


Les

I was curious if you had any blueprints and if they had labels for what I would call the canopy. Would also be curious if there is any railroad related correspondence or special instructions/Bulletins that might include a reference to these. The last thing I would wonder about is if there is old newspaper coverage of the grand opening and if there was a term attached to them at that time. Sorry I don't have any answers but am enjoying the discussion.

Southern Pacific called them butterfly canopies. Two SP standard plan canopies still stand at the Ogden Union Station in Utah.

Responding to the suggestion by "cumbres" to check newspaper coverage of the grand opening -- The local newspaper article from the Keokuk WEEKLY CONSTITUTION-DEMOCRAT for Wednesday, July 1, 1891, describing the opening of the newly constructed Depot, includes this sentence:

"Extending just the length of the building over this platform, is the train shed, made of corrugated iron, supported by heavy iron columns, the roof being curved in such a manner that all moisture will easily run off."

So it appears that "train shed" was the term used locally among both railroaders and the general public.