Re: (rshsdepot) Naples, FL

[Seth Bramson <sbramson_@_bellsouth.net>]

 >>>Two FACTUAL errors the below commentary.
Fourth paragraph:  "Airline" in Seaboard Air Line was NOT a reference to 
the "type of track," but rather, to the fact that (in the minds of the 
builder's) the Seaboard was built straight as an arrow--an air 
line--from terminal to terminal.  (Nothing further from the truth!)

Also Fourth paragraph:  ACL and even SCL ran a Naples-New York sleeper 
until shortly after the ACL-SAL merger on 7/1/67.  I think the winter of 
'67-'68 may have been the last year for the through sleeping car.  

Bernie Wagenblast wrote:

>Guest commentary: Naples Depot a bit of history we can protect
>
>Sunday, January 19, 2003
>
>By WALT SWARTZ, Special to the Daily News
>
>There are a lot of headlines and comments these days about preserving what's
>left of the truly historic buildings in Old Naples.
>
>The carriage or gingerbread house south of Naples Pier already is gone. A
>beachfront house built in 1927 looks like it will be the next to go.
>
>There is another 1927 building at risk. It's third oldest commercial
>building in town. It's The Naples Depot, which needs all the help it can
>get.
>
>The first passenger trains arrived in downtown Naples early in January 1927.
>Photographs show that The Naples Depot was still under construction that
>day. The Seaboard Airline Railroad - "airline" was in reference to the type
>of track - operated freight and passenger service there until the early
>1940s. Seaboard then sold The Depot and five miles of trackage to the
>Atlantic Coastline Railroad that had been operating from its station "way
>north of town" on Airport Road (now Airport-Pulling Road). The Coastline ran
>freight and passenger service, with a direct "through car" to New York in
>the mid-1950s. They closed up in the early 1970s.
>
>The building was rented out as a building supply store until a group of
>local public-spirited citizens banded together to "Save The Depot" by
>forming Southwest Heritage Inc., a non-profit corporation, in the mid 1970s.
>They were successful. The building was purchased from the railroad and
>renovated inside to serve as a civic and cultural center.
>
>Most certainly they saved the building from the wrecking ball.
>
>Later Mr. amd Mrs. Joseph Hirschhorn arranged for the delivery of three
>railroad cars for display at The Depot. The Southern Railroad baggage car
>was converted into The End of The Line Store to serve as a resale shop now
>known as The Whistle Stop Shop, with proceeds going to support The Depot. A
>Soo Line RR wooden caboose dating from 1909 was connected to the baggage car
>and remains open for display. It's also a great place to rent for birthday
>parties, etc.
>
>To date, The Depot has successfully eluded the wrecking ball. However, today
>there are now many more places in Naples available for meetings, wedding
>receptions, etc. Revenue from rentals falls way short of meeting the costs
>of maintaining a 76-year-old structure.
>
>Just how long it survives will depend on the current citizens of the area
>supporting the effort.
>
>The Naples Depot does not receive funding from any governmental body. The
>Naples Depot relies on rentals, memberships, donations, income from the
>Lionel Operating Train Display and The Miniature Riding Railroad, plus
>income from the Whistle Stop Shop. Volunteers operate the displays and the
>shop. More volunteers would allow us to operate the train displays more
>hours to generate more income. Volunteers can deduct travel expenses to and
>from The Depot from their income taxes. Donations are fully tax-advantaged.
>
>Your support of The Naples Depot can help perpetuate this remaining bit of
>the history of Naples. Please stop by and visit at 10th Street and Fifth
>Avenue South; or call 262-1776 on weekdays from 9 to 4. Train displays are
>open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.
>
>Keep your steam up! And help us preserve a piece of history at The Naples
>Depot!
>
>Walt Swartz is the stationmaster in charge of all the large and small trains
>and exhibits at The Depot.
>


=================================
The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org

------------------------------