Eugene G. Allen (April 13, 1921 – April 21, 2016) was a dedicated and influential figure in the Goleta Depot Project, remembered for his remarkable craftsmanship, community spirit, and profound love of trains. As a member of the original Goleta Depot Committee formed in 1980, Gene was instrumental in the effort to save and restore the historic Goleta Depot, a mission that culminated in the building’s official dedication and reopening at Lake Los Carneros County Park on October 10, 1982.
Gene Allen’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of the museum. His deep involvement began as chair of the sub-committee that reviewed the plans for the depot’s restoration, and his contributions expanded from there. In 1982, he undertook the challenging task of restoring the vandalized window bay of the depot’s freight office, an effort that exemplified his attention to detail and passion for preservation. Later, he served as the depot’s first curator, managing donated artifacts and preparing the museum’s earliest exhibitions.
As a skilled machinist and craftsman, Gene brought practical expertise to the depot’s early projects. He organized a unique fundraising effort by salvaging and selling bricks from the depot’s original foundation, each authenticated with a bronze plaque that he personally affixed. For these contributions, Gene was honored with the prestigious Golden Deed Award in 1983 for “Service Above Self,” the predecessor to the “Goleta’s Finest” awards.
Gene’s legacy is perhaps most visibly reflected in the museum’s track projects. He was the visionary behind the standard-gauge track in front of the depot and the Goleta Short Line miniature railroad, which remains one of the museum’s most beloved attractions. From initial design to final construction, Gene played a vital role in these projects, ensuring they were constructed to perfection. Over the years, he continued to enhance and improve the railroad infrastructure, helping the museum remain a popular destination for train enthusiasts of all ages.
In addition to his track work, Gene also led and supported various other museum projects, including the miniature-train shed construction, the caboose project, installation of the train-order board, post-and-rail fencing, and the model-railroad layout design. He even donated the ornamental star that adorns the Christmas tree in the Goleta Depot’s upstairs window each holiday season. In recognition of his many contributions, the Goleta Short Line miniature railroad was officially dedicated to him in 2012.
Beyond his work with the Goleta Depot, Gene Allen’s life was marked by service and innovation. Born in Rochester, New York, he served in World War II, participating in the Battle of the Bulge and receiving the Bronze Star for his heroism during an Allied crossing of the Rhine River. After the war, he attended the Pratt Institute, met his wife Alma, and eventually moved with his family to Santa Barbara in 1958, where he established Allen Models. This business, specializing in parts and plans for scale-model live-steam locomotives, gained nationwide recognition for its quality.
Gene Allen is survived by his wife, Alma, and their children, Christine, David, and Patricia. His contributions to the Goleta Depot and South Coast Railroad Museum have left an indelible mark, shaping the museum’s legacy for future generations to appreciate.