Before we talk about ending this discussion, let me point out that anyone
who is familiar with the DL&W glass plate collection of negatives at
Syracuse University is well-versed in the neglect that can be visited upon
a collection that whose nature or theme is not consistent with the mission
of its host. When the DL&W donated the collection to Syracuse University
it probably made sense, particularly since there probably wasn't any other
public or private entity that might have been able to handle such a
collection. In the modern era, we're much more fortunate. No doubt if the
glass plate collection were being donated today it would go to Steamtown,
not only because Scranton was on the Lackawanna (Syracuse, of course, was
also) but because Steamtown's primary mission is to preserve railroad
history. This is perhaps what I find most puzzling about this entire
discussion. As far as I know, this organization has spent a great deal of
money on securing a curator for its archives. It's not clear what the
organization has gotten in return other than cancelled checks and a threat
that the present location in Akron may no longer be available in less than
three months time.
Those are the facts. Now whether the BOD has done a good job with regards
to the dozens of other issues that face this organization I'm not
disputing. However, if the board is doing an otherwise perfect job does
not in any way preclude me from criticizing its handling of THIS issue.
Granted, I have been a vocal opponent of Steamtown's inability to run a
steam program and I think it has squandered numerous opportunities to
increase the visibility of its facilities and to augment its patronage.
Having said that, I am truly impressed by the progress that Steamtown is
making in archival preservation, which is in no small part due to the
presence of Pat McKnight.
In the end, the board will do whatever it darn well pleases. But I still
want to hear from the board as to why they would choose a facility whose
primary mission is something other than railroad preservation. That is
Steamtown's mission. It is NOT the mission of the other sites under
consideration. Just keep that in mind...and also keep in mind what has
happened at Syracuse. Of course, if Steamtown were located in, say,
Hornell or Port Jervis would we be having this discussion? I don't know.
Food for thought.
"Janet & Randy
Brown"
<jananran_@_mymails To
tation.com> erielack_@_lists.railfan.net
cc
03/04/2007 06:26
AM Subject
(erielack) ELHS archives
Please respond to
"EL Mail List"
<erielack_@_lists.e
lhts.org>
Is there any chance that this topic will be given a rest or put to bed or
allowed to die? There are hundreds of people on this list that simply do
not care to read the opinions of a VERY few on the disposition of the ELHS
archives or the structure of the ELHS and actions of its Board of
Directors. Everbody has an opinion -- positive, negative or (most of us)
neutral. Nobody is going to change anybody's mind with this endless
repetition of positions held, many of which were beaten to death months
ago.
If some can't stop picking at it, could they at least take it private?
Argue among yourselves if you must, but give the rest of us a break!
One concrete action that could be taken would be for some strong peronality
to volunteer to moderate the discussion forum on the ELHS site's Yahoo
off-shoot.
And, please -- please -- PLEASE -- don't each of you tell all of us why you
can't, shouldn't or won't do it.
Randy Brown, ELHS#16
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