Life was different in America — much different — a hundred years ago.

For example, 1914 was the year Henry Ford introduced the Model T assembly line, and the year President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Mother’s Day.

It was the year the first stone of the Lincoln Memorial was put into place in Washington, D.C.

And it was the year the Town of Apex opened its rebuilt depot.

The town’s history as an active trading center is based on the railroad; the first train passed through Apex in 1869.

A 1911 fire destroyed Apex’s business district, but by 1914 not only had the 100 block of Salem Street been rebuilt, so had the Union Depot.

Today, the depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

To celebrate the significance of the depot to Apex, the town will hold a Centennial Celebration this Friday and Saturday, June 6-7, offering festivities for the family.

On Friday night at 6, join the Apex Chamber of Commerce and the town for a celebratory meal catered by Peak City Grill and featuring a four-course menu of North Carolina-grown and cultivated dishes.

The dinner combines history, culture and guest speakers, to be enjoyed alongside old friends and new.

Then, on Saturday, head out to the Depot Centennial Open House.

Bring the kids for free fun and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., all celebrating the 100th anniversary of Apex's very own train station.

For more information on these events, visit apexchamber.com.