As the City of Tehachapi construction crews excavated the burned out shell of the Depot, they came across a layer of red bricks. Workers were instructed to stop excavating until FOTD volunteers could retrieve the bricks. The consensus of opinion is that these bricks were part of the original depot building, erected in the 1800’s, and which burned in 1904.

Over a period of several weeks, FOTD volunteers, including Robert Butler, John Greenelsh, Nick Smirnoff and Bob Westover, led by Volunteer Coordinator, Dennis Storms, slowly and methodically removed mortar, dirt and debris. Volunteers met at the site every Monday morning. Over 900 bricks have been salvaged. The bricks are being stored by the City, awaiting a decision on how best to utilize them in the landscaping of the Depot. The bricks will not be used in walkways, due to their fragile state, but will be used in some part of the Depot landscaping or structure.