From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003301c149ad$e63fdf40$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 08:46:17 -0400 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Taneytown, MD City rethinks station plans as bids come in too high Police facility part of renovation project - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ---- By Childs Walker Sun Staff Originally published September 30, 2001 Baltimore Sun Taneytown leaders hope that by designing their new police headquarters as an old railroad station, they will create a stylistic linchpin for their downtown revitalization efforts. But style and unexpected foundation work will apparently cost more than they bargained for, and they have suspended bidding on the project until they can raise more money from private donors or conceive cheaper specifications. Nine bids for the project came in between $957,000 and $1.3 million, said City Manager Patrick Nield. The City Council had hoped to spend about $700,000 on the project. "I would call this a delay more than a setback in our efforts," Nield said. The one-story police station will stand where a railroad line crosses East Baltimore Street in the heart of the city's downtown. The design called for a wooden facade with a mahogany door capped by a half-moon window made of leaded glass. The door and window would cost about $16,000, Nield said. The site would also feature a municipal parking lot with 58 spaces, a key feature for the parking-starved downtown. Nield said the town's concept for the station has not changed despite the high price tag. He expressed hope that private donations would eliminate the need for a redesign and said the 5,000-square-foot station project could be rebid as soon as December. Mayor Henry C. Heine said the city would re-evaluate the building's design specifications but said any changes "won't be of substance but will be more having to do with materials." Heine said the project is more costly than expected partly because the foundation of the building that used to occupy the property is less stable than once thought. City officials want to proceed as quickly as possible, because they are scheduled to temporarily move into the police station during a planned $500,000 upgrade of City Hall. The two projects are the heart of the city's contribution to its revitalization, an effort aided by the state's Main Street Maryland Program. Last year, Taneytown became Maryland's sixth Main Street Community. One manifestation of its revitalization efforts will appear next month when artists begin painting a re-creation of a Zile's Ice Cream sign on the side of City Hall. The sign for the now-defunct ice cream maker adorned the building in the early 20th century. ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #165 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00b001c14abe$30366f40$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2001 17:15:23 -0400 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Milwaukee, WI Amtrak station renovation back on track Kelly Quigley The Milwaukee Business Journal After nearly a decade of discussion and planning for an overhaul of downtown Milwaukee's drab and uninviting Amtrak station, 433 W. St. Paul Ave., the property's new owner -- the state of Wisconsin -- says it's time for the project to materialize. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation purchased the 60,000-square-foot train station in December 2000 from CMC Heartland Partners L.L.C. of Chicago for $1.4 million. Now the DOT is seeking a developer to jump-start the renovation with private-sector financing, said Gerald Roth of the DOT's Bureau of Management Services. The 36-year-old train station, which employed 300 railroad workers in its prime, is now half-vacant and appears desolate even in its busiest hours. Although the station has been well maintained and is in sound condition, its internal design doesn't serve the needs of today's busy commuters and tourists, Roth said. DOT officials hope a private developer will add new retail and offices in the building's vacant space and update passenger amenities. DOT officials believe a renovation would encourage increased ridership of trains, buses and other modes of transportation that will be available from the station, Roth said. The DOT held an informational meeting for developers Sept. 12, one day after the terrorist attacks on America. More than 25 interested firms and people attended. "Given the special nature of our meeting, and the poor timing of it, we think it was quite well attended," Roth said. Proposals are due Oct. 8, and a project developer should be selected by the end of December, he said. The scope and cost of the renovation hasn't been determined, but past estimates put the project between $4 million and $10 million. The DOT will be able to contribute slightly more than $2.5 million to the total cost, Roth said. Originally $4 million in state and federal funds had been set aside for improvements to the train station. However, the DOT already used a chunk of that to purchase the property. The Amtrak station generates about $160,000 in annual revenue, according to DOT records. Despite a growing passenger count, the station has a cash deficit of between $150,000 and $200,000 per year. The Milwaukee depot already is the second-busiest Amtrak location in the Midwest, with 417,211 passengers in 2000. Traffic at the station is expected to increase dramatically over the next 10 years, Roth said, serving more than 850,000 rail passengers by 2010. Potential gateway One of the DOT's goals in the renovation project is to create new revenue streams by adding restaurants, shops and office space in the station's 30,000 square feet of vacant space. "It would be wonderful to have that area revamped, renewed and restored," said Vanessa Welter, spokeswoman for the Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We're really excited about the possibilities." Located three blocks south of downtown's central business district, and just west of Milwaukee's growing 3rd Ward neighborhood, the Amtrak station is within walking distance of many business and entertainment destinations. Ideally, it can serve as a gateway to Milwaukee and facilitate tourism, connecting travelers with downtown activity centers, Welter said. Most big cities have a major train station where tourists and local residents can catch various modes of transportation, Welter said. Many of them also house retail and restaurants. An improved Milwaukee train station would encourage people from nearby cities to visit Milwaukee more often, and it would help funnel visitors to nearby attractions like Miller Park and Potawatomi Bingo Casino, Welter said. The DOT's goal is to complete the remodeling project by late 2003 to coincide with the planned inception of high-speed rail service that will link Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago. An aggressive schedule will be necessary to meet that deadline, Roth said. Needs have changed Milwaukee's three-story Amtrak depot was designed in 1965 by Milwaukee architect Donald Grieb, who is also known for his work on the three-domed Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory on Milwaukee's south side. Since the station was built 36 years ago, the nature of train travel has changed, with commuters now making up the bulk of travelers. In addition to improving the aesthetics of the station, a renovation is needed to meet the changing needs of train users. Informational computer kiosks, lighted maps of Milwaukee, comfortable seating areas and a full-service restaurant are among the proposed train station amenities that will better serve modern-day travelers. CMC, the successor company of the Milwaukee Road, announced plans in 1997 to update the train station by upgrading the passenger waiting area and adding new retailers. The company assembled a detailed renovation plan in 2000, and hired Quorum Architects Inc., Milwaukee, to create modern-looking interior design. In anticipation of the construction, CMC displayed Quorum's renderings of a shiny, contemporary train depot for more than a year at the Amtrak station, but the plans never came to fruition. The DOT decided to purchase the station from CMC to create an intermodal station at the site, which would be a hub for various forms of transportation. The DOT's Downtown Milwaukee Intermodal Passenger Station study in 2000 was published in April. It found that a central station where travelers could conveniently transfer between trains, buses, taxis and cars, would enhance tourism and spur downtown development. Several alternate locations for an intermodal station were considered, including Fourth and Clybourn streets, Plankinton Avenue and Clybourn, and the U.S. Post Office on St. Paul Avenue. However, the existing Amtrak station was the recommended site because it posed the fewest technical problems and is already located next to train tracks, the study said. ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #166 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003c01c14ba6$c17cf210$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2001 21:00:12 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Poplar Bluff, MO -From the Daily American Republic (Poplar Bluff, MO)... Moark Railroad Museum Endangered By DANIELLE ELLIOTT ~ DAR Staff Writer Poplar Bluff can credit its early growth to the railroading industry, which linked the city with other major locations. Built in 1928, the Moark Regional Railroad was in use until 1965. It was turned into a museum by Joe and Bobbie Falvey in 1987. It has been recognized by the National Historical Register for its historical significance, but its future is threatened. The owners want nothing more but to keep the museum up and running, but they do not have the funding to repair the damages. "We're in the process of getting a grant," said Bobbie Falvey, secretary/treasurer of the Poplar Bluff Preservation Commission. "We've been approved for $30 thousand for the past three years but haven't seen any of it yet. We just can't get a bid on it because it's not enough money." The property belongs to the city, who ultimately decides whether it can remain there or not. "We really appreciate everything the city has done," said Falvey. "We take care of it as best we can." "This is a community place," said Falvey's husband and Moark's handyman and tour guide Joe. "It really shouldn't cost us anything." The museum operates solely from memberships, donations and fund-raising events. "Three years ago" it was obvious that the building was at risk. "The building is so old," said Falvey. "We have deterioration and the leaking has been bad all the time," said Falvey. "Outside of the windows, the wood has rotted. We've had three windows broken within two months." Leaking is the main problem at the museum. Most of the leaks are underneath the tile on the roof. Falvey and the staff were awarded enough donations to only repair the back flat roof. It still leaks. "It will deteriorate itself," said Falvey. Because of its condition, the Poplar Bluff Preservation Commission has nominated the Moark Regional Railroad Museum as an endangered station. The Great American Station Foundation, in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is accepting nominations for rail stations nationwide that are at risk of destruction, demolition, damage or discontinued use as a transportation facility. "I would hope that they would try to preserve the history that is there," said Lena McPheeters, president of the preservation commission. The train station is eligible because it meets tests that show it has significant historical merit and there is a clear threat to its continued existence. Winners will receive extensive national and local publicity and $1,000 to promote local efforts to save the station. The grant "would help with advertising, repainting our signs, buying some paint and possibly help stop some of the leaking." The Moark Regional Railroad Museum is a piece of Butler County history that may become history itself if something isn't done soon. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <005601c14ba6$ea8a6fc0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2001 21:01:21 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Little Rock, AR By Raymond L. Hatfield, from the RITSLIST, via Railway Preservation News... Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf Railroad Freighthouse We have a chance to help preserve a bit of Rock Island history, but only if we each do our part. It was recently discovered that inside a modern steel siding building, slated to be torn down to make way for the Clinton Presidential Library, is a well-preserved turn of the century Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf RR freighthouse. The structure was built just before CO&G's purchase by the Rock Island, and was used until the 1940s by the RI, first as a passenger station, until the more elaborate Choctaw station was completed, and then as a freight house. I recently had the opportunity to tour the building, and in my opinion this is beauty of a building with arched windows and cut stone work. It is remarkably preserved (from being contained within the bigger metal building I'm sure) and almost completely intact. Had it not been hidden from view like it was, we perhaps wouldn't have the urgent task in front of us now to save it before it's too late. The City of Little Rock (which owns the property) has so far shown little interest in preserving the building, but those of us locally feel a letter-writing campaign might be able to turn the tide. The only address I have ready at hand is for the mayor, but if we can at least get him to realize the importance of the structure maybe we have a chance. Please write: The Honorable Jim Dailey Mayor of Little Rock 500 W. Markham Street Little Rock, AR 72201 I will update with additional addresses as I can track them down. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <6a.1444cd7e.28eb19b9_@_aol.com> Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2001 09:23:05 EDT From: Dherbert53_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Little Rock, AR Why not write Bill himself???? D Dean Carroll ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <007e01c14b5e$d2b26440$7e01a8c0_@_0018982498> Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2001 09:25:17 -0700 From: "Eric Miller" Subject: (rshsdepot) ECITYPOSTCARDS ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00e801c14be9$47fa8c70$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 04:56:24 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Oshkosh, WI NOTE: This message had contained at least one image attachment. To view or download the image(s), click on or cut and paste the following URL into your web browser and click/select the thumbnail image(s) for the listed filename(s). http://www.railfan.net/listthumb.cgi?/lists/rshsdepot-current 100201-3.jpg (image/jpeg, 11440 bytes) =46rom the Oshkosh Northwestern... Old bridge lingers as historic significance debated By Karl Ebert of the Northwestern Wrangling over the historic value of an abandoned railroad bridge spannin= g the Fox River has pushed the bridges removal beyond a Sept. 30 deadline s= et by the U. S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard ordered the bridge removed when Wisconsin Central Transportation Corp., abandoned its downtown Oshkosh rail line in 1996. Earlier this year, the Coast Guard freed up nearly $575,000 to remove the bridge, but city officials asked for an extension of the demolition deadl= ine after receiving conflicting information about whether a federal historic mitigation law applied to the demolition project. The bridge, completed in 1904, is one of the state=92s few surviving exam= ples of turn of the century swing bridge construction. The city hired a consultant to document the bridge=92s history in anticip= ation of a federal requirement that a mitigation plan be developed when histori= c buildings are demolished. But the U. S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation ruled that the federal law did not apply because the project, while paid for with federa= l dollars, is not being managed by the Coast Guard or any other federal agency. What the mitigation plan would have involved was never specified. "I found it sort of hard to believe that this was not a federal project," said Richard Dexter, chief of the State Historical Society=92s office of preservation and planning. A July letter from Dexter saying the bridge would be eligible for listing= on the National Register of Historic Places but did not require a mitigation plan to be removed, opened the door for the city to request bids for the work. Four bids, opened Friday, range from a low bid of $184,500, to a high bid= of $794,975. Those prices are based on a March 1 completion date. An optiona= l Dec. 15 date would add $20,000 to the low bid. The city council is expected to award the work at its Oct. 9 meeting. Meanwhile, the city has received Coast Guard and Department of Natural Resources approval of a plan to leave the bridge=92s 200-foot southern sp= an in place as a public fishing pier. The Otter Street Fishing Club has agreed = to chip in on the cost of renovating the bridge span to make it more suitabl= e for fishing. Planned improvements include a new bridge deck, handicapped access and decorative lighting. Otter Street Fishing Club president Bob McAloon said it will remain uncle= ar how much of the cost the club will be able to cover until better cost estimates are developed. The club, he said, sees helping out as a way of improving fishing opportunities for the handicapped, elderly and anglers who don=92t own bo= ats. "It=92s something we want to do," McAloon said. "It=92s a good fishing ar= ea, there are some deep holes right at that bridge that are very productive." Parks director Tom Stephany, who will seek grant money to pay for the lighting, said work will likely begin in summer. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00f001c14bea$90c38e10$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 05:05:36 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Phillipsburg, PA =46rom the Easton, PA Express-Times... Board has its eye on station 10/02/01 P=92burg building has tourism potential. By PETER HALL The Express-Times PHILLIPSBURG - Supporters of the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Cente= r want to be sure that a historic train station can play a future role as a tourist destination. The Phillipsburg Urban Enterprise Zone Board of Trustees on Monday discus= sed ways to gain control of the building. The building, at 178 S. Main St., now houses The Gold Cup, a sporting goo= ds store owned by board Chairman Ron Perio. Perio is planning to move his business to another location on South Main Street and UEZ Director Mark Portnoy said the station=92s owner is planni= ng to sell the building. Portnoy said Assemblyman Alex DeCroce, R-Morris, contacted Phillipsburg Mayor Harry Wyant and asked him to begin looking for ways to acquire it. Perio said the owner is interested in seeing the historic nature of the building preserved. He said the building=92s location near South Main and Hudson streets makes it an attractive property. "He is concerned about where the building falls and he wants to see it fa= ll into the right hands," Perio said of the owner. "I think a lot of people envision it becoming an information center. If it falls into the wrong hands, we might never get it back." The station was built between 1913 and 1914 by the Delaware, Lackawanna a= nd Western Railroad, said John Willever, a member of the Phillipsburg Railro= ad Historians and secretary of the Lackawanna Chapter of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society. The station served the Lackawanna and Jersey Central railroads and the Phillipsburg Horse Car Co. trolleys that ran along South Main Street, Willever said. The UEZ board discussed leasing the building from its present owner until town officials can find funding to buy it. Portnoy said the goal is to ensure that the town retains control of the property because other organizations have expressed interest in buying th= e station. He said town officials could apply for a grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to preserve the station. "It would take quite a bit of time to put that together," he said. "I hav= e a feeling with Assemblyman DeCroce=92s help we would be successful with tha= t application.=92=92 ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <000f01c14bb9$95dff540$a045fd3f_@_0019873538> References: <005601c14ba6$ea8a6fc0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2001 23:14:56 -0400 From: "UDRRHS-President" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Little Rock, AR Jim - Do you know how to pass these questions and comments back to Ray Hatfield, or whoever? From the description, I would certainly like to see this building preserved - on its own merits, and because being preserved inside a modern steel shell is the same way our Ulster & Delaware Roxbury NY depot got saved till we came upon it -- but knowing a little more about the situation would help intelligent letter-writing. Is it "ground-zero" of the planned new project, meaning it would have to be moved or the whole thing redesigned, or is it off in some corner to be mindlessly knocked down for a parking lot that could be skipped? Is it re-usable/recyclable in connection with the Clinton project? Is it anywhere near other historic stuff that it supports, or is it pretty much on its own? Thanks Steve Delibert - ----- Original Message ----- From: Jim Dent To: RSHS List Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2001 9:01 PM Subject: (rshsdepot) Little Rock, AR > By Raymond L. Hatfield, from the RITSLIST, via Railway Preservation News... > > Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf Railroad Freighthouse > > We have a chance to help preserve a bit of Rock Island history, but only if > we each do our part. It was recently discovered that inside a modern steel > siding building, slated to be torn down to make way for the Clinton > Presidential Library, is a well-preserved turn of the century Choctaw, > Oklahoma & Gulf RR freighthouse. The structure was built just before CO&G's > purchase by the Rock Island, and was used until the 1940s by the RI, first > as a passenger station, until the more elaborate Choctaw station was > completed, and then as a freight house. > > I recently had the opportunity to tour the building, and in my opinion this > is beauty of a building with arched windows and cut stone work. It is > remarkably preserved (from being contained within the bigger metal building > I'm sure) and almost completely intact. Had it not been hidden from view > like it was, we perhaps wouldn't have the urgent task in front of us now to > save it before it's too late. > > The City of Little Rock (which owns the property) has so far shown little > interest in preserving the building, but those of us locally feel a > letter-writing campaign might be able to turn the tide. The only address I > have ready at hand is for the mayor, but if we can at least get him to > realize the importance of the structure maybe we have a chance. Please > write: > > The Honorable Jim Dailey > Mayor of Little Rock > 500 W. Markham Street > Little Rock, AR 72201 > > I will update with additional addresses as I can track them down. > > > > ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #167 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004101c14c7e$863adf40$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> References: <005601c14ba6$ea8a6fc0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> <000f01c14bb9$95dff540$a045fd3f@0019873538> Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 22:44:44 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Little Rock, AR - ----- Original Message ----- From: "UDRRHS-President" To: > Jim - > Do you know how to pass these questions and comments back to Ray > Hatfield, or whoever? Steve and all. More on the RI freight house from the RIT List... A new website has been established to provide information on the historic 1899 Choctaw & Memphis (CO&G) freight station that is currently threatened with demolition in Little Rock. Choctaw station website: You can help, first by writing a few letters (or email) to the individuals listed, urging them to preserve this historic Rock Island structure. Second, we desperately need an early vintage photograph of this structure -- take a look at the "current" images on this website and see if that "unidentified old realphoto postcard" in the back of your photo collection might just be the Little Rock Choctaw freight station. Thanks. Bill Pollard The original message, from Raymond Hatfield, on the RITS list can be viewed here: http://www.simpson.edu/mjdomo.archives/rits/msg02526.html ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <006a01c14c96$44bfcb30$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 01:34:42 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS NOTE: This message had contained at least one image attachment. To view or download the image(s), click on or cut and paste the following URL into your web browser and click/select the thumbnail image(s) for the listed filename(s). http://www.railfan.net/listthumb.cgi?/lists/rshsdepot-current depot400.jpg (image/jpeg, 13750 bytes) -From the Vicksburg Post... Vicksburg to buy Levee Street Depot for development By Mark J. Armstrong Staff Writer [10/02/01]The Levee Street Depot became the first named target in a proposed downtown makeover Monday when Vicksburg officials announced plans to buy the 95-year-old building for a waterfront development project. City board members also set a public hearing for 10 a.m., Oct. 25 at City Hall Annex about the old, federally funded Urban Renewal plan from the 1970s. It will be the first chance the public has had to comment on the planned changes. "We are making that (depot) part of our strategic plan," Mayor Laurence Leyens said. "We believe it is an important piece of property in our waterfront development." Under the plan, the city would be able to acquire the property without using the power of eminent domain. Leyens said the city would then seek federal money to renovate the building. Possible uses include a river-rail museum or a visitor center, but no use has been decided. The depot was a key freight and passenger facility on north-south lines at City Front. In 1931, much business moved to the Holly Street Depot, which was just east of the Cherry Street viaduct until being torn down. The downtown depot was used by Illinois Central Railroad for offices until 1974. Since then, it has had many owners and various businesses including a restaurant and hair salon, but has been vacant for several years. The most recent attempt to acquire and renovate the building has been by the Museum and Marketplace Committee for an African-American museum. The three-story, red-brick building is owned by The Depot Partnership of Jackson and is valued by the Warren County Tax Assessor's Office at $304,290 for property tax purposes. The partnership consists of three doctors from Jackson, Dr. Karl Hatten, Dr. Sam White and Dr. John Bower. Leyens said the owners are being represented by James Hobson of Varner Realty and that the building would be appraised and purchased at the value. Funds to buy it are to come from a city-funded redevelopment plan, part of an $18 million bond issue proposed last week. Urban Renewal was a federal program in which many communities, including Vicksburg, participated in the 1970s. Here, Washington Street was bricked, the two parking garages since sold to Harrah's were built and several other projects were completed. The federal Urban Renewal program no longer exists. "They're totally different programs with totally different objectives," Leyens said. Because there is no statue that allows the city to terminate the old plan, City Attorney Nancy Thomas said the plan would have to be modified so it will not affect the new plan. "We're going to modify it basically out of existence," Thomas said. In order to fund its plan, the city board will have to approve the 10-year general obligation bonds. The city is in a required 30-day waiting period until Oct. 23 before the money can be borrowed. A petition signed by 1,500 registered city voters would result in a vote, but voters have not petitioned for a public vote on any bond issue here in 50 years. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <007201c14c97$c2e3b480$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 01:45:23 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Sacramento, CA Editorial from the Sacremento Bee... Fix the roof: City can't afford to wait for Union Pacific (Published Oct. 2, 2001) The Sacramento City Council must act immediately to save the historic Railway Express Agency (REA) building at the downtown rail depot. If the Union Pacific railroad continues to refuse to put a temporary roof on the structure, as the city's Design Review and Preservation Board has recommended, the council should take steps to replace the roof itself and bill the railroad for the cost. The REA building sits beside the train terminal. Like the historic terminal itself, it is a local landmark and an integral component of a still tentative plan to build an intermodal station at the site. Both the terminal and the REA building are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Both buildings show signs of severe neglect, but the REA structure is in the deepest trouble. If nothing is done soon, it is likely to deteriorate beyond the point of being saved. All its windows are broken. Wood in the window frames, mezzanine and walls have already rotted beyond salvageable conditions. Delicate terra cotta balustrades have cracked and are in danger of breaking loose. Most troubling, the roof has partially collapsed and floors beneath it have fallen in, exposing the building's interior to rain. The Housing and Dangerous Buildings section of the city declared the building dangerous months ago and ordered Union Pacific to repair it. The railroad has agreed to make some repairs but so far has callously refused to do what is most needed: Erect a temporary roof. The engineering firm retained by the city says that, without a roof, the structure "will suffer considerable damage," including corrosion of steel components that hold the building up. In other words, the walls could collapse. The rainy season is fast approaching. The City Council can't afford to wait. If UP won't protect a Sacramento landmark, the city must. Fix the roof and send Union Pacific the bill. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <007801c14c98$3e4edbe0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 01:48:50 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) West Medford, MA -From the Boston Globe... Group wants to spruce up train stop Proposal would cover platform in West Medford By Caroline Louise Cole, Globe Correspondent, 9/30/2001 MEDFORD - A train station, or at least an open-air shelter, at the West Medford commuter rail stop would make the current platform area safer and could spark an economic revitalization of the area. That's the theory behind a proposal advanced by two neighborhood residents for a modest structure on the now vacant West Medford train stop platform. ''We know this idea is going to take a while to execute but we believe a train station is important to encourage more train riders and to promote the economic development of West Medford Square,'' said Heather Anderson, who along with architect Doug Carr, has formed a grass-roots lobby group, Citizens for a West Medford Train Station. Their revitalization plan, which carries an estimated price tag of $2 million, has grabbed the imagination of their neighbors, Anderson said, noting that more than 100 people turned out for an information session about their idea held during the summer. It also has won the support of city councilors, the mayor, and Medford's state legislators, Anderson said. ''What we have now is an empty, unsafe platform that offers no protection -From the elements and little handicapped access,'' said Stephanie Burke, a City Council member, noting that cracked asphalt and crabgrass are now the platform's main features. ''Having the MBTA stop there is definitely a plus for our city but we need to clean it up and make it an attractive focal point for West Medford Square.'' State Representative James Marzilli said he thinks the proposal is worthy of financial support from the state and federal government as well as local taxpayers. ''Of course the recent economic downturn has put all spending plans on hold but this is a key location,'' Marzilli said. ''We should be doing all we can to encourage ridership increases and I agree that it could spark an economic renaissance.'' Joseph Pesaturo, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, said his agency has no plans to build a structure at its West Medford stop. ''We'd be more than happy to meet with the residents and the local elected officials and hear about their idea though,'' he said. The Anderson-Carr design is simple. The pair is suggesting two shelters, each about 300 feet long, one on either side of the tracks. Their design features peaked metal roofs with decorative ironwork. A raised walk would offer easier access to the trains for commuters in wheelchairs. A shelter would also provide some seating, a place for public telephones, and newspaper racks, they said. ''We want to pick up some historic details from the original West Medford train station, which was razed in 1962,'' Anderson said. Among those details the pair would like to recreate are replicas of the original copper weathervane that topped the old station. Now in the folk art collection at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., the weathervane is in the motif of a wood-burning steam locomotive of the type that would have first hauled freight and passengers through West Medford. ''We'd loved to get it back but for now we will be satisfied with making one replica for each roof,'' Carr said. Carr noted that the original West Medford Depot, built in 1835 and then known as Medford Gates, gave birth to the cozy, residential enclave of West Medford and the West Medford Square business district. Among the earliest train stations built in Massachusetts, it was on the then-new Boston and Lowell Railroad, built to increase the speed of trade between Boston and the burgeoning industrial mill town of Lowell to the west. This wooden structure was replaced in 1886 with a stone masonry structure. Today more than 10,000 commuters come through the stop on more than 20 trains daily, Anderson said. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00a201c14cb6$3de1eda0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 05:23:34 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Harpers Ferry, West Virginia -From Eastern Railroad News... LAND OBTAINED IN EXCHANGE FOR HISTORIC STATION... After 40 years of discussion, the National Park Service has acquired the train station in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, from CSX Transportation in exchange for land in Cumberland, Maryland. The train station, which is on Potomac Street, will remain a stop for Amtrak and MARC between Jefferson County and Washington, D.C. The property was once a U.S. armory and is the former site of abolitionist John Brown's fort, according to U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd's office. It will cost at least $1 million to renovate the small building, said Bill Hebb, the natural resource manager for Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. In 1999, the Great American Station Foundation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the train station one of the Top 10 Most Endangered Stations in America. The station was built in the 1890s and was moved a few hundred feet to its present spot in the 1930s, Hebb said. "This property is vitally important to both the history of the region and to the local economy," Byrd, D-W.Va., said in a press release announcing the deal. "After decades of negotiation, the land transfer will allow community leaders, working in conjunction with the National Park Service, to rehabilitate the historic B&O train station." It was not announced exactly how much land the National Park Service gave CSXT in Cumberland. Last year, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Superintendent Donald Campbell said it was several acres. The deal was twenty years in the making and was put into motion recently by Byrd. CSXT's land acquisition will be utilized for a maintenance base facility. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <001501c14c86$b2d02a80$7e01a8c0_@_0018982498> Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2001 20:43:14 -0700 From: "Eric Miller" Subject: (rshsdepot) Fw: if you read nothing else this year, read this!!!! - ----- Original Message ----- From: "The New Colonist" Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2001 8:42 PM Subject: if you read nothing else this year, read this!!!! > Rooney: A Comeback For Trains? > -With People Afraid To Fly, Rails May Return > -Increased Train Travel Would Reduce Oil Consumption > > NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2001 > > (CBS) Weekly commentary by CBS News > Correspondent Andy Rooney: > > Some people are afraid of everything. > Other people aren't afraid of anything. A > lot of Americans are afraid to fly now > and it's ridiculous. You're more likely to > win the lottery than die in a plane crash. > > > Fear of flying is bad for the airline > business - they've been in financial > trouble for years anyway and it got > worse on September 11th. > > Airlines have treated us so badly over > the years, it's hard to feel sorry for > them. You feel sorry for the good people > who work for airlines. > > Congress has voted to give them $15 > billion in emergency relief and I don't > understand that. Railroads have been in > financial trouble for 50 years. Why > doesn't Congress give railroads $15 > billion? > > What ever happened to travel by train > anyway? > > This country is dotted with abandoned or > little used railroad stations. Cute stores > have moved in. > > In New York, they tore down the > magnificent Pennsylvania Station. > Michigan Central Station in Detroit, an > architectural gem, was abandoned;its > idle tracks rust away waiting to be > boiled down. > > There are thousands of miles of empty > railroad tracks running contiguously with > crowded highways. > > Our heavy loads should be moved on > steel rails instead of rubber tires on > highways where trucks play accordion > with the cars. > > There are 1,345,000 railway freight cars > in the United States. Each one can carry > several times as much cargo as the > biggest truck. > > Using railroads would reduce our use of > oil. > > It takes 1,500 gallons of fuel for a plane > to fly from New York to Chicago with > 100 people on board. A train with 1,000 > people can make the same trip on fewer > than 300 gallons. > > The United States is way behind in train > travel as anyone knows who's been to > Europe or Japan. Trains everywhere are > better, faster and more luxurious. > > There's no greater feeling of luxury and > satisfaction than being whisked 500 > miles closer to your destination while > you sleep on a fast-moving train. > > Trains are seldom delayed or cancelled. > They run in sunshine or in snowstorm, > oblivious to wind and water. > > If the government is going to give the > airlines $15 billion, it ought to run the > airlines. Or maybe jump-start travel by > giving taxpayers $15 billion worth of > tickets to go where they wanted how > they wanted. > > © MMI, CBS Worldwide Inc. All Rights Reserved. > > ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #168 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: In-Reply-To: <001501c14c86$b2d02a80$7e01a8c0_@_0018982498> Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 12:58:50 -0400 From: "Kenyon F. Karl" Subject: RE: (rshsdepot) Fw: if you read nothing else this year, read this!!!! As a result of the Presidental announcement of the reopening of Reagan National Airport, I must regretfully concede that I was ALL WRONG in my statements that THE WORLD HAS CHANGED on September 11th. Instead, I must agree with the editorial writers of Foster's Daily Democrats that the world will soon forget the incredible images of hijacked airliners crashing into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. :-( Editorial - Monday, September 24, 2001 Not so fast: Don’t give Amtrak more money The question is not a matter of "if" — it’s when will Americans feel confident in their air travel system to begin flying to their destinations again? It will happen sooner than some people believe. http://www.fosters.com/comment/editorials/editorials2001/september/ed0924a%5 F01.htm Reagan National to Reopen Thursday Bush Announces Limited Flights, Strict Security Measures The first flights to resume will be shuttle service to New York and Boston. Service to six other cities will resume as soon as new safety measures are implemented, which could be as early as Thursday. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A57635-2001Oct2.html Kenyon F. Karl Webmaster_@_new-england-public-transit.org http://www.new-england-public-transit.org - -----Original Message----- From: rshsdepot-owner_@_lists.railfan.net [mailto:rshsdepot-owner_@_lists.railfan.net]On Behalf Of Eric Miller Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2001 11:43 PM To: rshsdepot_@_lists.railfan.net Subject: (rshsdepot) Fw: if you read nothing else this year, read this!!!! - ----- Original Message ----- From: "The New Colonist" Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2001 8:42 PM Subject: if you read nothing else this year, read this!!!! > Rooney: A Comeback For Trains? > -With People Afraid To Fly, Rails May Return > -Increased Train Travel Would Reduce Oil Consumption > > NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2001 > > (CBS) Weekly commentary by CBS News > Correspondent Andy Rooney: > > Some people are afraid of everything. > Other people aren't afraid of anything. A > lot of Americans are afraid to fly now > and it's ridiculous. You're more likely to > win the lottery than die in a plane crash. > > > Fear of flying is bad for the airline > business - they've been in financial > trouble for years anyway and it got > worse on September 11th. > > Airlines have treated us so badly over > the years, it's hard to feel sorry for > them. You feel sorry for the good people > who work for airlines. > > Congress has voted to give them $15 > billion in emergency relief and I don't > understand that. Railroads have been in > financial trouble for 50 years. Why > doesn't Congress give railroads $15 > billion? > > What ever happened to travel by train > anyway? > > This country is dotted with abandoned or > little used railroad stations. Cute stores > have moved in. > > In New York, they tore down the > magnificent Pennsylvania Station. > Michigan Central Station in Detroit, an > architectural gem, was abandoned;its > idle tracks rust away waiting to be > boiled down. > > There are thousands of miles of empty > railroad tracks running contiguously with > crowded highways. > > Our heavy loads should be moved on > steel rails instead of rubber tires on > highways where trucks play accordion > with the cars. > > There are 1,345,000 railway freight cars > in the United States. Each one can carry > several times as much cargo as the > biggest truck. > > Using railroads would reduce our use of > oil. > > It takes 1,500 gallons of fuel for a plane > to fly from New York to Chicago with > 100 people on board. A train with 1,000 > people can make the same trip on fewer > than 300 gallons. > > The United States is way behind in train > travel as anyone knows who's been to > Europe or Japan. Trains everywhere are > better, faster and more luxurious. > > There's no greater feeling of luxury and > satisfaction than being whisked 500 > miles closer to your destination while > you sleep on a fast-moving train. > > Trains are seldom delayed or cancelled. > They run in sunshine or in snowstorm, > oblivious to wind and water. > > If the government is going to give the > airlines $15 billion, it ought to run the > airlines. Or maybe jump-start travel by > giving taxpayers $15 billion worth of > tickets to go where they wanted how > they wanted. > > © MMI, CBS Worldwide Inc. All Rights Reserved. > > ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <006c01c14d5d$c68421d0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 01:22:50 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Shillingstone, England NOTE: This message had contained at least one image attachment. To view or download the image(s), click on or cut and paste the following URL into your web browser and click/select the thumbnail image(s) for the listed filename(s). http://www.railfan.net/listthumb.cgi?/lists/rshsdepot-current now-12.jpg (image/jpeg, 48647 bytes) -From Railway Preservation News... Shillingstone Station Project The Shillingstone station (England) was first opened on August 31st, 1863, on the line formed by the consolidation of the Central and Dorset Central Railways. It was arguably the most picturesque station on the former Somerset and Dorset Railway, being overlooked by the hill-fort of Hambledon Hill, which was in military use by General Wolfe for training his troops as recently as 1759, and having the River Stour meandering in the foreground. The railway station served until closure of the line in March of 1966, and removal of the track in May of the following year. The Shillingstone Station Project is a group whose goal is to restore the station to its 1960's appearance. Photos are at their website (http://www.shillingstonestationproj.fsnet.co.uk/), which contains many photos as well as more about the history of the station and the current restoration efforts. (Hume Kading) ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <001401c14cfb$97de11e0$820acc40_@_dsl.net> References: Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 13:39:58 -0400 From: "Richard F. Makse" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Fw: if you read nothing else this year, read this!!!! To Kenyon F. Karl and others: I don't know why you think your statements about national politics have anything to do with the RSHS. If you likewise believe that general raves about Amtrak funding have any real relevance to RSHS, I also believe you to be wrong on that account. The RSHS is here to give us some respite and escape from weighty world matters, not to serve as a platform for people to shout out whatever comes into their minds. People who are intelligent enough to be members of this list know where to seek information about Amtrak, September 11 and the changing world order. They're not here for those subjects. This particular soapbox has to do with railroad station history and preservation. If you have a different brand of detergent to peddle, go elsewhere. Dick Makse - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kenyon F. Karl" To: Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2001 12:58 PM Subject: RE: (rshsdepot) Fw: if you read nothing else this year, read this!!!! > As a result of the Presidental announcement of the reopening of Reagan > National Airport, I must regretfully concede that I was ALL WRONG in my > statements that THE WORLD HAS CHANGED on September 11th. Instead, I must > agree with the editorial writers of Foster's Daily Democrats that the world > will soon forget the incredible images of hijacked airliners crashing into > the twin towers of the World Trade Center. :-( > > Editorial - Monday, September 24, 2001 > Not so fast: Don’t give Amtrak more money > > The question is not a matter of "if" — it’s when will Americans feel > confident in their air travel system to begin flying to their destinations > again? It will happen sooner than some people believe. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <14e.1fa40f1.28ee36f9_@_aol.com> Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 18:04:41 EDT From: Dherbert53_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Fw: if you read nothing else this year, read this!!!! In a message dated 10/4/2001 1:43:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time, webmaster_@_nelliebly.com writes: > > I don't know why you think your statements about national politics have > anything to do with the > RSHS. If you likewise believe that general raves about Amtrak funding have > any real relevance to > RSHS, I also believe you to be wrong on that account. > > The RSHS is here to give us some respite and escape from weighty world > matters, not to serve as a > platform for people to shout out whatever comes into their minds. > > People who are intelligent enough to be members of this list know where to > seek information about > Amtrak, September 11 and the changing world order. They're not here for > those subjects. > > This particular soapbox has to do with railroad station history and > preservation. If you have a > different brand of detergent to peddle, go elsewhere. > > Dick Makse > Bad day, Dick? Aren't we overreacting a little? BTW, here's a site that has photos of many Amtrak depots: Amtrak Photo Archive - an unofficial Amtrak site Dean ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <013e01c14d4d$32f62fe0$9c45fd3f_@_0019873538> References: <005601c14ba6$ea8a6fc0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> <000f01c14bb9$95dff540$a045fd3f@0019873538> <004101c14c7e$863adf40$df8d6ca5@itochu.com> Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 23:24:01 -0400 From: "Ulster & Delaware RR HS - President" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Little Rock, AR For letter-writing purposes regarding saving Choctaw freight depot, below is -From a Dallas Morning News article of June 23. http://www.dallasnews.com/texas_southwest/400985_arclinton_23te.html Architect Jim Polshek is well-known as very preservation-oriented, and this article makes clear that they are going out of their way to preserve the passenger station; it would be crazy to knock down the freight station. Mention all this in letters; include Polshek on your mailing list. James Stewart Polshek, Polshek Partnership Architects, LLP, 320 West 13th Street New York, NY 10014 Tel: 212 807-7171 Fax: 212 807-5917 info_@_polshek.com Quote: Mr. Polshek and Richard Olcott, of Polshek and Partners based in New York, were chosen by Mr. Clinton in 1999 to design the 27-acre Clinton Presidential Park, including the presidential center, a library, museum, the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, and a policy center that will focus on economic empowerment, and racial and religious reconciliation. The three met in Little Rock on Friday to view the final design. "We always like to try to make sure the building gives something back to the community, and this does more than any other," Mr. Polshek said. "And the merger of past and future on this project is every architect's dream." Set in a park that Mr. Clinton says will have every tree native to Arkansas, the design includes a glass-walled rectangular building that sticks out over the Arkansas River. Mr. Clinton's policy center and school of public service will be housed in the 19th-century Choctaw railroad station on the site, and an old railroad bridge crossing the river will be converted into a pedestrian walkway linking North Little Rock with downtown Little Rock. The presidential park will have a 2,500-seat amphitheater. Unquote. - ----- Original Message ----- From: Jim Dent To: Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2001 10:44 PM Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Little Rock, AR > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "UDRRHS-President" > To: > > > Jim - > > Do you know how to pass these questions and comments back to Ray > > Hatfield, or whoever? > > Steve and all. > > More on the RI freight house from the RIT List... > > A new website has been established to provide information on the historic > 1899 Choctaw & Memphis (CO&G) freight station that is currently threatened > with demolition in Little Rock. > > Choctaw station website: > > You can help, first by writing a few letters (or email) to the individuals > listed, urging them to preserve this historic Rock Island structure. > Second, > we desperately need an early vintage photograph of this structure -- take a > look at the "current" images on this website and see if that "unidentified > old realphoto postcard" in the back of your photo collection might just be > the Little Rock Choctaw freight station. > > Thanks. > > Bill Pollard > > The original message, from Raymond Hatfield, on the RITS list can be viewed > here: > http://www.simpson.edu/mjdomo.archives/rits/msg02526.html > ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #169 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <000d01c14e35$dde04420$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 03:09:40 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Mendon, NY =46rom the Canandaigua, N.Y. Daily Messenger... Group plans railroad theme park in Mendon Mendon Station Park would be built on six acres along the Lehigh Valley Trail. MENDON - A Mendon non-profit group will seek funding to build a railroad theme park along the 15-mile Lehigh Valley Trail in Mendon. The Mendon Station Park Committee announced plans yesterday for a park on six acres of land in the hamlet of Mendon between Routes 64 and 251. Warren Wallace, a spokesman for the committee, said residents can hear mo= re about the plans during a public meeting Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. a= t the Mendon Fire Hall on Route 64. The Mendon Station Park Committee grew out of the Mendon Foundation, a nonprofit group which agreed six years ago to work with Monroe County to develop the Lehigh Valley Trail. The trail, which is a link between the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail to t= he west and the Ontario Pathways Trail System to the east, will be upgraded starting in the spring of 2002 with over $1.2 million in private, county, state and federal grants. The railroad park would not be complete for at least another two years an= d depend on the group getting $1 million in state and federal grants, Walla= ce said. The group envisions the Mendon Station Park as a destination with a railr= oad station warming area for skiers, a play area for children and a stable ar= ea for equestrians to keep their horses while enjoying the park's facilities= =2E "From the 1890s on, Mendon was always a railroad town and we built on tha= t concept," Wallace said. "We want our equivalent of Schoen Place in Pittsford, but at the same time to honor and respect the past heritage of Mendon." Wallace said the park would have a main pavilion, similar to the old platform railroad station, that would have 900 feet of track and have a train parked on the track. An old bag factory that currently sits on the property would be converted into a museum including park offices, meeting rooms and classrooms, and public restrooms. =A9Daily Messenger 2001 ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <001f01c14e3b$be879c80$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 03:51:44 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Oregon, Ill. -From Trains.com... Station Stops: Oregon, Ill. The former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy depot in Oregon, Ill., is undergoing a restoration led by area volunteers. Built in 1914, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When completed in two years, the station will feature a room dedicated to servicemen and women who left their homes via the depot. Another room will house a railroad library and a viewing area for trains passing on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe main line between Chicago and Savanna, Ill. The freight room will contain CB&Q memorabilia, and the ticket office will be restored to its 1950 appearance. The restoration project board welcomes volunteers and donations. For more information, contact Bob Rees at 815-732-6397 or Jerry Stauffer at 815-734-6627. You can also e-mail Stauffer at: jerstauf_@_essex1.com ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003101c14e3d$5ee56cb0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 04:03:23 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Penn Station, NYC An editorial from the NYC Daily News... Deliver on Penn Station After the terrorists struck New York City, the universal resolve has been= to rebuild better than before =97 and not just at Ground Zero, but across th= e city. They can destroy and kill. We will revive and renew. Sen. Pat Moynihan's brainchild =97 the transformation of the James A. Far= ley General Post Office into a new Pennsylvania Station =97 should have been = part of that rebuilding. It is a truly visionary plan designed both to preserv= e an architectural gem (and the memory of one lost) and address the transportation needs of a 21st century city. But the Postal Service has just withdrawn from the project, using the Wor= ld Trade Center disaster as its excuse. The Post Office deserves credit for its response to the catastrophe. It h= as kept the mail moving and figured out how to deal with the displacement of thousands of residents and businesses. It also has lost its Church St. station and is using the Farley building to handle additional mail. But n= one of this is reason to delay the new Penn Station. There are other faciliti= es that can replace Church St. It is critical to move forward with Penn Station. The White House, Congre= ss, Gov. Pataki and Mayor Giuliani are committed. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been set aside by the federal, state and city governments. Amtrak is on board. So is the Port Authority. All the pieces were in plac= e for a groundbreaking. But just as everyone is rushing to New York from around the country, seek= ing to help the city, the Postal Service is going the other way =97 giving up= on New York and its aspirations. What the city needs are building and construction and jobs and the confidence gained from a monumental project like a magnificent new Penn Station. A special-issue patriotic stamp is n= ot enough. President Bush is in town again today. He ought to take a look at the Far= ley building. And when he gets back to Washington, he can tell the Postal Service to reconsider its rash decision and put the Penn Station project back on track. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <7f.1b3a1267.28ef6e33_@_aol.com> Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 16:12:35 EDT From: CoolGuy127_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Penn Station, NYC In a message dated 10/05/2001 4:00:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time, james.dent_@_itochu.com writes: << President Bush is in town again today. He ought to take a look at the Farley building. And when he gets back to Washington, he can tell the Postal Service to reconsider its rash decision and put the Penn Station project back on track. >> This editorial from the New York Daily News was also posted to another list that I subscribe to. What appears below is my response to that list: Actually, I'm not at all disappointed with this latest development. I have carefully reviewed the plans for the new Penn Station in the Farley Building, and I believe that the entire project is ill-conceived. The proposed new Penn Station would mar the beauty of the landmark Farley Building, it would be difficult to access, and it would be in the wrong location. The real solution is to demolish the ugly and outmoded Madison Square Garden atop Penn Station and to construct a beautiful new Penn Station on the site of the present station. The owners of Madison Square Garden have already stated that the present facility is outdated and inadequate, and they plan on constructing a new facility elsewhere. This provides the perfect opportunity to reconsider the plans for a new Penn Station and instead to construct a new building in the right location that will truly be a credit to our great city. Daniel Chazin Teaneck, NJ ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003d01c14e3f$736f8880$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> References: <003101c14e3d$5ee56cb0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 04:18:16 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Penn Station, NYC I have searched vainly for more info about the Postal Service withdrawal discussed in the NY Daily News article. Has anyone read more on this? - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Dent" To: "RSHS List" Sent: Saturday, October 06, 2001 4:03 AM Subject: (rshsdepot) Penn Station, NYC An editorial from the NYC Daily News... Deliver on Penn Station After the terrorists struck New York City, the universal resolve has been= to rebuild better than before =97 and not just at Ground Zero, but across th= e city. They can destroy and kill. We will revive and renew. Sen. Pat Moynihan's brainchild =97 the transformation of the James A. Far= ley General Post Office into a new Pennsylvania Station =97 should have been = part of that rebuilding. It is a truly visionary plan designed both to preserv= e an architectural gem (and the memory of one lost) and address the transportation needs of a 21st century city. But the Postal Service has just withdrawn from the project, using the Wor= ld Trade Center disaster as its excuse. The Post Office deserves credit for its response to the catastrophe. It h= as kept the mail moving and figured out how to deal with the displacement of thousands of residents and businesses. It also has lost its Church St. station and is using the Farley building to handle additional mail. But n= one of this is reason to delay the new Penn Station. There are other faciliti= es that can replace Church St. It is critical to move forward with Penn Station. The White House, Congre= ss, Gov. Pataki and Mayor Giuliani are committed. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been set aside by the federal, state and city governments. Amtrak is on board. So is the Port Authority. All the pieces were in plac= e for a groundbreaking. But just as everyone is rushing to New York from around the country, seek= ing to help the city, the Postal Service is going the other way =97 giving up= on New York and its aspirations. What the city needs are building and construction and jobs and the confidence gained from a monumental project like a magnificent new Penn Station. A special-issue patriotic stamp is n= ot enough. President Bush is in town again today. He ought to take a look at the Far= ley building. And when he gets back to Washington, he can tell the Postal Service to reconsider its rash decision and put the Penn Station project back on track. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00a301c14ddd$0dbebe00$7e01a8c0_@_0018982498> Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 13:33:54 -0700 From: "Eric Miller" Subject: (rshsdepot) light-rail, Oakland Station Improvements $14 MILLION APPROVED FOR TRAFFIC CONGESTION RELIEF 10/5/2001 Projects Funded In: Sacramento, San Joaquin, Oakland, San Diego SACRAMENTO Governor Gray Davis announced the approval of $14 million for five transportation projects to ease traffic congestion. The project funds are for part of the historic $5.3 billion Traffic Congestion Relief Program (TCRP) sponsored by Governor Davis last year. The projects include: $4 million for the double tracking of the light rail line along Interstate 80 in Sacramento County is one of the projects approved for funding by the California Transportation Commission. These improvements will allow higher operating speeds, resulting in quicker trip times and reduced operating costs; $6.8 million to add new lanes on northbound Interstate 5 through the Mossdale "Y" in San Joaquin County, which will provide relief to over 100,000 vehicles daily; $1.75 million for improvements to the Jack London Square train station in Oakland; $1.1 million to widen Highway 98 from two to four lanes in the city of Calexico in Imperial County; and $400,000 for ferry service between San Diego and Oceanside in San Diego County. Under the leadership of Governor Davis, California last year embarked on a historic five-year, $6.8 billion investment plan to improve the state's transportation infrastructure, marking the largest single appropriation of general funds for transportation in the state's history. The $5.3 billion TCRP is part of that overall transportation investment. Including the recent projects approved, a total of $2.35 billion has been approved for the TCRP since the program was initiated one year ago. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <71.13b839e7.28ef7318_@_aol.com> Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 16:33:28 EDT From: CoolGuy127_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) light-rail, Oakland Station Improvements In a message dated 10/05/2001 4:31:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time, empirebuilder_@_earthlink.net writes: << $1.75 million for improvements to the Jack London Square train station in Oakland; >> What type of improvements to this station are contemplated? Daniel Chazin Teaneck, NJ ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00b101c14dde$01057d60$7e01a8c0_@_0018982498> References: <71.13b839e7.28ef7318_@_aol.com> Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 13:40:43 -0700 From: "Eric Miller" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) light-rail, Oakland Station Improvements I can't imagine what could be done to it. Hopefully they will spend some fixing up the abandoned SP station in Oakland. Now that there is no demand for office space, I have my doubts... - ----- Original Message ----- From: To: Sent: Friday, October 05, 2001 1:33 PM Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) light-rail, Oakland Station Improvements > In a message dated 10/05/2001 4:31:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time, > empirebuilder_@_earthlink.net writes: > > << $1.75 million for improvements to the Jack London Square train station in > Oakland; >> > > What type of improvements to this station are contemplated? > > Daniel Chazin > Teaneck, NJ ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00c101c14dde$ce52dce0$7e01a8c0_@_0018982498> Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 13:46:27 -0700 From: "Eric Miller" Subject: (rshsdepot) articles of interest Rail And Travel For A New America In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan launched an early and unsuccessful attack on Amtrak by pointing out that in many cases it would be less expensive to purchase plane tickets for passengers than to keep the trains running. More recently, Amtrak was faced with a Congressional mandate to turn a profit or risk being disassembled and shut down. The terrorist attacks of September 11 may have not only once again saved Amtrak from making the transition from struggling carrier to forgotten icon, but begun a new renaissance of rail passenger travel in the United States. http://www.newcolonist.com/traintravel.html NC: Since the hijacking and crashing of four commercial airplanes recently, Amtrak has experienced record ridership. How do you think rail passenger service will be affected in the long term as a result of the recent attacks? HT: Transit ridership was already increasing around the country before the attacks. Rail should experience a strong and sustained surge in ridership. Airline shuttle service was an attractive option for the business traveler seeking the fastest mode of transportation. Quick airplane shuttle service may no longer be the preferred option since increased airport security translates to more time spent in lines. The train may become the most desirable mode of travel for trips within 300 miles. http://www.newcolonist.com/smartgrowth.html ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <20011005220702.76139.qmail_@_web11801.mail.yahoo.com> In-Reply-To: <71.13b839e7.28ef7318_@_aol.com> Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 15:07:02 -0700 (PDT) From: Art Marsh Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) light-rail, Oakland Station Improvements Not sure... I am looking at part of it right now. looks new to me. ???? Art Marsh Alameda, CA (Work) - --- CoolGuy127_@_aol.com wrote: > In a message dated 10/05/2001 4:31:47 PM Eastern > Daylight Time, > empirebuilder_@_earthlink.net writes: > > << $1.75 million for improvements to the Jack London > Square train station in > Oakland; >> > > What type of improvements to this station are > contemplated? > > Daniel Chazin > Teaneck, NJ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? NEW from Yahoo! GeoCities - quick and easy web site hosting, just $8.95/month. http://geocities.yahoo.com/ps/info1 ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003e01c14deb$56d2e680$820acc40_@_dsl.net> References: <71.13b839e7.28ef7318_@_aol.com> Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 18:16:10 -0400 From: "Richard F. Makse" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) light-rail, Oakland Station Improvements These are not station improvements in the "traditional" sense of brick and mortar since Jack London is a very modern and functional station. What I believe is being referred to is a number of capacity improvements planned for the area encompassing Jack London Square from CP Magnolia on the west to CP Strong on the East. A realignment of the "station track" through new crossovers at CP King St. would give you three tracks on the Embarcadero, allowing two passenger trains and freight trains to keep out of each other's way. There were a number of proposed configurations so I suspect this money might be for engineering the final design since the ultimate price tag for all this hardware was much higher. Dick Makse > << $1.75 million for improvements to the Jack London Square train station in > Oakland; >> > > What type of improvements to this station are contemplated? > > Daniel Chazin > Teaneck, NJ > ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <000f01c14e1a$ee744cc0$d27a153f_@_paul> Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2001 23:56:39 -0400 From: "Paul S. Luchter" Subject: (rshsdepot) What is on the roof of the NY,H&A station, Madison Square??? NOTE: This message had contained at least one image attachment. To view or download the image(s), click on or cut and paste the following URL into your web browser and click/select the thumbnail image(s) for the listed filename(s). http://www.railfan.net/listthumb.cgi?/lists/rshsdepot-current MadisonSquare.jpg (image/jpeg, 146770 bytes) What was the tower on top of the NY,H&A Station for? Here is an engraving printed in the New York Times in a special = supplement on their 60th anniversary. The caption reads: "Old NY,NH & H RR Station in Fourth Avenue. Site of = the Present Madison Square Garden"=20 The New Haven station is the one at right (Moorish style? Venetian?), = the New York, Harlem and Albany RR is the one behind. 25th Street is in = the foreground with the horse car parade on it.=20 4th Avenue was where the trains can be seen I think. Madison Avenue = would be west (left) of the Harlem Station The Harlem Station (blt. 1857?) became one of the last sites for the = Barnum Museum [P.T. Barnum's Grand Roman Hippodrome and Gilmore's = Garden]; later was the first building to be dubbed Madison Square = Garden. The one referred to here was that built 1890 by Stanford White. = This 2nd MSG lasted until 1924. The NY Life Insurance Building replaced = it and is still there today. Not to be confused with the Met Life = building, tallest in the world 1909-1912, which is south of this = pictured site, just to the left of the view's vantage point OK now here I repeat my question...there is a tower pictured on the roof = of the Harlem station, what was that for. Too early for electric light, = no radio, not high enough to be a weather beacon for ships in the = harbor, what was the tower for? Paul Luchter ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <000601c14e1f$097379c0$820acc40_@_dsl.net> References: <000f01c14e1a$ee744cc0$d27a153f_@_paul> Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 00:26:14 -0400 From: "Richard F. Makse" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) What is on the roof of the NY,H&A station, Madison Square??? Looks to me like a church steeple. Seems to be another church on the right. Dick Makse - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul S. Luchter" To: "RSHSDepot" Sent: Friday, October 05, 2001 11:56 PM Subject: (rshsdepot) What is on the roof of the NY,H&A station, Madison Square??? > NOTE: This message had contained at least one image attachment. > To view or download the image(s), click on or cut and paste the following URL into your web browser and click/select the thumbnail image(s) for the listed filename(s). > http://www.railfan.net/listthumb.cgi?/lists/rshsdepot-current > > MadisonSquare.jpg (image/jpeg, 146770 bytes) > > What was the tower on top of the NY,H&A Station for? ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <006701c14e21$b2e4a220$d27a153f_@_paul> Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 00:45:10 -0400 From: "Paul S. Luchter" Subject: (rshsdepot) Why was the CNJ "The Only Down Town Road"??? NOTE: This message had contained at least one image attachment. To view or download the image(s), click on or cut and paste the following URL into your web browser and click/select the thumbnail image(s) for the listed filename(s). http://www.railfan.net/listthumb.cgi?/lists/rshsdepot-current DownTownRoad.jpg (image/jpeg, 143064 bytes) Here is a neat advertisement in the NY Times 12/7/1911 for the "New = Jersey Central", 1 hour & 50 minutes to Philly, "The On Time Road "The Only Down Town Road" OK, why was the CNJ the ONLY downtown railroad..did it use the B&O = station in Philly? Reading Station? (Isn't that also in downtown?) Paul Luchter ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #170 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <009e01c14eb5$053cc3c0$2b14fe3f_@_oemcomputer> References: <006701c14e21$b2e4a220$d27a153f_@_paul> Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 18:19:45 -0400 From: "Steven Delibert" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Why was the CNJ "The Only Down Town Road"??? I suspect they mean Downtown New York -- note the ad says go "to" Philadelphia; CNJ ferries left from ?Liberty? ?Barclay? Street? for Jersey City, while P company trains were leaving from 34th Street through that nasty tunnel (note the ad also says none of THEM, for those as was skeert of such new-fangled devices in 1911). But didn't PRR ferries from ?Desbrosses Street? run to PRR Jersey City connections to mainline trains for quite a while after Penn Station opened? Steve Delibert - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul S. Luchter" > NOTE: This message had contained at least one image attachment. > To view or download the image(s), click on or cut and paste the following URL into your web browser and click/select the thumbnail image(s) for the listed filename(s). > http://www.railfan.net/listthumb.cgi?/lists/rshsdepot-current > > DownTownRoad.jpg (image/jpeg, 143064 bytes) > ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <000601c14ec2$18e0eb60$6b68153f_@_paul> Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 19:53:25 -0400 From: "Paul S. Luchter" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Why was the CNJ "The Only Down Town Road"??? Most all the RRs had ferries from the lower Manhattan area (if that is what was meant by downtown, but by this time-1911-I think downtown had moved further uptown....but why assume they mean NYC, other RRs that maybe didn't go to Philly, also left from lower Manhattan, the Pennsy had the ferry terminal just north of Liberty Street...that would be Cortlandt Street...that ferry ran to 1949, the Desbrosses Sreet ferry (which I think is north of Cortlandt, closer to Canal) ran to 1930... Jersey Central also had ferry to West 23rd until 1941, Liberty Street to 1967 the Pennsy stopped their ferries to W 23rd in 1910.. The DL&W to Christopher Street until 1955, Barclay Street to 1967, W 23rd Street to 1947 The Erie from Chambers to 1958, West 23rd Street to 1942... I left out the West Shore ferries and those that stopped before 1910... The B&O used the CNJ ferries, until 1914 the LV used the CNJ or PRR ferries-I forget that one... I am not sure what the Reading used-CNJ? So I am not sure that the Down Town refers to downtown Manhattan, esp since you could go to Philly via PRR from Cortlandt, or by H&M as well.. Perhaps they did mean the 23rd Street ferry... What would downtown NYC be in 1911? It could refer to going into downtown in both Philly and NYC??? Which station did CNJ use in Philly? Random thoughts Paul - -----Original Message----- From: Steven Delibert To: rshsdepot_@_lists.railfan.net Date: Saturday, October 06, 2001 6:20 PM Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Why was the CNJ "The Only Down Town Road"??? >I suspect they mean Downtown New York -- note the ad says go "to" >Philadelphia; CNJ ferries left from ?Liberty? ?Barclay? Street? for Jersey >City, while P company trains were leaving from 34th Street through that >nasty tunnel (note the ad also says none of THEM, for those as was skeert of >such new-fangled devices in 1911). >But didn't PRR ferries from ?Desbrosses Street? run to PRR Jersey City >connections to mainline trains for quite a while after Penn Station opened? >Steve Delibert >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Paul S. Luchter" > > >> NOTE: This message had contained at least one image attachment. >> To view or download the image(s), click on or cut and paste the following >URL into your web browser and click/select the thumbnail image(s) for the >listed filename(s). >> http://www.railfan.net/listthumb.cgi?/lists/rshsdepot-current >> >> DownTownRoad.jpg (image/jpeg, 143064 bytes) >> > > ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <93.1151ff52.28f1099f_@_aol.com> Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 21:27:59 EDT From: I95BERNIEW_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Why was the CNJ "The Only Down Town Road"??? I'm not certain of this, but part of the answer may simply be how the CNJ used the word "station." Looking at some ads from around the turn of the century, the CNJ called it Liberty Street Station. Mileage on some timetables showed Liberty Street as milepost 0.0 and Communipaw as milepost 2.3. While trains never actually entered Liberty Street, as a marketing ploy they may have called Liberty Street a station while other railroads didn't call their downtown ferry terminals "stations." If that was the case, they may have been pushing the truth a bit, but it may just go to show that advertising back in 1911 was as suspect as it can be today. ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #171 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3BC0BEF1.776FC4E9_@_bellsouth.net> References: <000601c14ec2$18e0eb60$6b68153f_@_paul> Date: Sun, 07 Oct 2001 16:45:37 -0400 From: Seth Bramson Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Why was the CNJ "The Only Down Town Road"??? "Paul S. Luchter" wrote: > I am not sure what the Reading used-CNJ? >>Yes. > Which station did CNJ use in Philly? >>The CNJ went into Reading Terminal. B&O had their own Philadelphia station but used the RDG north of Phila (Trenton?) to somewhere around Bound Brook and then the trains operated on CNJ in to Jersey City Terminal. The Crusader and the Wall Street, both Reading trains, operated from Reading Terminal then in to Jersey City CNJ terminal. I do not believe the CNJ operated any of it's own trains in to Philadelphia. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <000701c14f97$e5d23860$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Sun, 7 Oct 2001 21:23:42 -0400 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Shawnee, OK Tower Sets Shawnee Depot Apart SHAWNEE -- Many early settlers in Shawnee said they felt a sense of security whenever they saw the distinctive tower of the Santa Fe Passenger Station. To them, it looked like the tower was standing guard over the fledgling town. What may not be so well known is that the boxy apex was designed to be a clock tower. However, when the city of Shawnee was unable to raise the necessary funds to buy the clockworks, the Santa Fe Railway Co. put its emblems on the north and south sides of the tower. Though ladders were built inside the tower, it probably was never used as a lookout for trains, historical experts say. Built in 1903, the depot was designed by architect Joseph Schuettner of Aurora, Ill., using the Romanesque Revival style popular in the late 19th century. The tower represents a departure from the style because it does not seem to fit with the rest of the structure. The train station was built during what has been called the Eclectic Period from 1860-1930, which was known for its charming "extras." Schuettner based his design on European churches, and the tower is reminiscent of either a Scottish lighthouse or an American Indian watchtower found on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Shawnee's depot is the only building Schuettner designed that stands west of the Mississippi River. After the Santa Re Railway stopped using the tracks in 1973, the Pottawatomie Historical Society rented the depot for a museum. The museum opened on May 29, 1982. Exhibits include early-day Pottawatomie County artifacts such as railroad items and a pioneer doctor's equipment. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 15, 1974. Hours for the Santa Fe Depot Museum, 614 E Main, are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, call the museum curator, Joel Shockley, at 275-8412. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3BC11E9A.73451F5A_@_erols.com> Date: Sun, 07 Oct 2001 23:33:46 -0400 From: Jim Dent Subject: (rshsdepot) Great Railroad Stations: Glacier Park, MT A new installment of John Dahls Great Railroad Stations series, Glacier Park, MT, has been added to the list website. Check it out at: http://www.trainweb.org/rshs/great_railroad_stations.htm ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #172 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <014b01c15086$16194880$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2001 01:48:56 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Arlington, TN -From the Memphis Business Journal... Arlington strives to save town's center with revitalization plan Ed Hicks The L&N Railroad won't be coming to downtown Arlington any more, but its depot -- or rather, a replica of it -- will. The depot, to be built to the original plans of the 19th century structure, is designed to be the centerpiece of a downtown revival designed to attract office and retail tenants to restored buildings and to new ones built to historical codes in Depot Square. The five-square-block Depot Square will feature a museum, blacksmith shop, old-time post office and one-room school house. The depot will stand just a stone's throw from the Benchmark Surveying firm, a flower shop and S.Y. Wilson's general store, which has stood since before Arlington was Arlington. Some new buildings will go up, but they'll sport a 19th century look. It's part of a downtown renaissance under the guidance of architectural and engineering firm Allen & Hoshall, Inc., which developed the master plan for the project. "We're trying to bolster the area for additional office and some retail space where people might come in with the proper touch and become part of the area," says Depot Square commissioner Rick Phillips. But the purpose of the redevelopment is preservation, not expansion. "It's an area for the people of the town to enjoy away from the hustle and bustle," says Sam Wilson, whose grandfather built the general store in 1893, next door to its present location. The town, named Hayesville for a Civil War general, was incorporated as Arlington in 1900. Phillips says the town will use the new visitor center at I-40 and Airline Road -- a hub of hustle and bustle expected to open later this month -- to promote downtown Arlington. Like the rest of the Memphis region, Arlington has grown in the last decade. Its population stands at more than 2,500 -- up from 1,500 in 1990 -- and the city has issued 130 new housing permits so far this year -- down from 160 this time last year. A handful of new subdivision applications have been made in the last two years. With major commercial projects and interstate changes planned around south Arlington, including planned urban developments, the town's future lies near Paul Barret Parkway and I-40. "It's going to be a growing beast over there," Phillips says. "We're trying to save the downtown while we can." Town planner Charles Goforth says some of the downtown redevelopment has started, including restoration of the old blacksmith shop. Buildings are showing their age and without restoration the area will continue to be underserved, he says. But money doesn't come as easily for preservation as for expansion. The town has applied to the state for funds for paving and gutters and is exploring an application to the Barret Trust, whose founder, Paul Barret, always had a bank in Arlington. It needs $500,000 for the project. Local business owner Sam Wilson, born in 1920, is optimistic. "The town was built around the depot square," Wilson says. "And if we revive it, the nucleus of Arlington will always be here." ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <71.13dcba09.28f36522_@_aol.com> Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2001 16:22:58 EDT From: Dherbert53_@_aol.com Subject: (rshsdepot) From Western Ohio Rails list Query for the group (and my apologies if this has already been discussed)- On 25A, near Botkins [Ohio, I think-ed.] (I want to say between Anna and=20 Botkins), I recently saw a gentleman putting a roof on a building that=20 resembled a depot.=A0 It was located in back yard of a private residence, no= t=20 far from the tracks.=A0 It appeared to me that this building had been moved=20= to=20 its present location, and architecturally, it resembled a DT&I style=20 station.=A0 Does anyone know anything about this, or am I just suffering fro= m a=20 case of pareidolia? Thanks in advance. - - Kevin Lewis [Why didn't he just ask him?-ed.] - --part1_71.13dcba09.28f36522_alt_boundary Query for the group (and my apologies if this has already been discussed)- On 25A, near Botkins (I want to say between Anna and Botkins), I recently saw a gentleman putting a roof on a building that resembled a depot. It was located in back yard of a private residence, not far from the tracks. It appeared to me that this building had been moved to its present location, and architecturally, it resembled a DT&I style station. Does anyone know anything about this, or am I just suffering from a case of pareidolia? Thanks in advance. - - Kevin Lewis - ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Protect your servers with 128-bit SSL encryption! Grab your copy of VeriSign's FREE guide: "Securing Your Website for business" Get it Now! Click Here! - ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Community email addresses: Post message: WesternOhioRails_@_egroups.com Subscribe: WesternOhioRails-subscribe_@_egroups.com Unsubscribe: WesternOhioRails-unsubscribe_@_egroups.com List owner: WesternOhioRails-owner_@_egroups.com Shortcut URL to this page: http://www.egroups.com/community/WesternOhioRails Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00f501c15039$f77e6be0$769fda18_@_ne.mediaone.net> References: <200110080934.f989Y1a44838_@_net.bluemoon.net> Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2001 16:44:02 -0400 From: "paul gibson" Subject: (rshsdepot) Railpub October price list The October price list (#93) has been posted to our website. Click on this link to go directly to the site: http://www.railpub.com Among the items added this month are athe books Downeast Depots, Flemington Junction, and Country Depots In the Connecticut Hills. Also, a number of early back issues of the Railroad Station H.S. Bulletin and a few Monographs. This is in addition to our regular offering of back issues from over 150 rail related magazines titles, and hundreds of books on rail, logging, mining, steel/iron, marine and industrial subjects. Paul Gibson ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #173 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002101c1514e$5549bf80$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001 01:42:22 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) CHEYENNE, Wyo -From the Casper, WY Star Tribune... City seeks insurance repair of UP depot roof CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The city is pursuing an insurance claim to repair the roof of the historic Union Pacific Depot. The roof, made of a slate-like material called Supra-Slate, was installed in 1995. Wyoming's notorious wind seems to be to blame for the many shingles that have been breaking off in recent months. Mayor Jack Spiker said the roof needs to be fixed before renovation of the depot can continue. However, he has learned from talking with the city's insurance company that the material originally used for the roof is no longer made. "So it doesn't look like patches will work now," he said. City Attorney Mike Basom said it could be costly to replace the entire roof, but the city is pressuring its insurer to cover the claim. The depot was one of the largest and most ornate along the Transcontinental Railroad during the 19th century. ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #174 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002b01c15218$d058ae50$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 01:51:47 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Philadelphia (Area), PA -From Eastern Rail News... MANNED TOWERS FALLING TO CENTRALIZED TRAFFIC CONTROL... Another human side of railroad will be falling this winter, as the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority eliminates manned towers along right-of-way owned by the commuter carrier. Work is continuing on a variety of fronts to install and implement centralized traffic control (CTC) on lines owned by SEPTA. As the CTC project progresses, plans are to retire the towers, starting with 'A Tower' later this Fall. While no order of tower closures has been given, it is known that once the CTC project is completed, manned towers on SEPTA will be history. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003501c15219$2f503450$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 01:54:26 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) East Boston, MA More from Eastern Railroad News... BOSTON & ALBANY ENGINE HOUSE PRESERVATION SOUGHT... The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has requested proposals for long-term lease, rehabilitation, and reuse of the former Boston & Albany Railroad Engine House (most recently the "Scolly" Building") at 215 Bremen Street, East Boston. The Engine House and surrounding property were acquired by the CA/T project in connection with highway and park construction. Built in 1909, the Engine House Building is a single-story, brick building of 9,800 square feet. It has been deemed historically significant as one of the few surviving railroad facilities of its time. Rehab of the building must preserve significant features of the building, and will be subject to review by historic agencies. The building will be surrounded by a new public park. The Authority is seeking a developer that can conceive and carry out a development that is appropriate ot the historic character, the future park, and the community. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004b01c1521e$4b696760$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 02:31:01 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station -From ysterday's NY Times... City Battens Down Further as U.S. Renews Bombardment By AL BAKER National Guardsmen will be posted at Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station, just as they have been at the city's bridges, tunnels and airports. State authorities sent dozens of armed correction officers to serve in posts around the aqueducts that handle the city's water supply. And the undercover police officers working in the city's subway system were ordered into uniform as a deterrent to possible new terrorist assaults. ....One measure of change was Gov. George E. Pataki's decision to have several hundred more armed National Guard troops placed at Grand Central Terminal, Pennsylvania Station and other city locations beginning at 6 a.m. today. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <005101c1521f$3b75bc40$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 02:37:43 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Two Harbors, Minnesota =46rom Railway Preservation News... Two Harbors Shop Facilities Update As previously reported in an RyPN Brief on March 25, the Duluth, Missabe= & Iron Range Two Harbors roundhouse and backshop facility in Two Harbors, Minnesota still appear headed for destruction, probably within the next year. A planned land swap between the railroad and the city will give th= e city a new marina on the lakefront and the (city owned) roundhouse site w= ill return to railroad ownership. Thus far, there has been virtually no interest expressed in saving the buildings, which comprised the main DM&I= R shop until the new diesel shop was constructed in nearby Proctor. Aside =66rom the Spencer Shops facility in North Carolina, Two Harbors is belie= ved to be one of the last Class 1, major backshop and roundhouse complexes remaining in the United States that has more than ten =93home road=94 ste= am locomotives remaining that were once repaired there. (Kent Rengo, via Ore Rail Discussion List) ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <9e.1b94b2ff.28f64a57_@_aol.com> Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001 21:05:27 EDT From: PifyJtrain_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station In France paramilitary police were a common sitght at all major places ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <20011011.020153.-3781155.1.ptrmgtsvc_@_juno.com> Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 01:22:02 -0400 From: "M. E Allen" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Why was the CNJ "The Only Down Town Road"??? The Reading ran through West Trenton to Manville, crossed the Lehigh Valley, then joined the Jersey Central at Boundbrook Junction. The segment south of the Lehigh Valley [NS' Lehigh Line] is the CSX Trenton Line. The two miles north of the Lehigh line are operated by Bridgewater Resources as a solid waste transfer facility. NJTransit retains the right to operate passenger service over the line. Reading trains used this route to Reading Terminal in Philadelphia B&O trains ran on the Reading to Wayne Junction and then to Park Junction {near the Philadelphia Art Museum] and into their own station at Walnut Street opposite 30th Street on the Schulkill River. Vestiges of the station platforms and the stairs from Market Street can still be found. MEA On Sun, 07 Oct 2001 16:45:37 -0400 Seth Bramson writes: > "Paul S. Luchter" wrote: > > > I am not sure what the Reading used-CNJ? > > >>Yes. > > > Which station did CNJ use in Philly? > > >>The CNJ went into Reading Terminal. B&O had their own > Philadelphia station > but used the RDG north of Phila (Trenton?) to somewhere around Bound > Brook and > then the trains operated on CNJ in to Jersey City Terminal. The > Crusader and > the Wall Street, both Reading trains, operated from Reading Terminal > then in to > Jersey City CNJ terminal. I do not believe the CNJ operated any of > it's own > trains in to Philadelphia. > > > > ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #175 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002901c152be$deaf9f80$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 21:40:27 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Pennsylvania Station, NYC =46rom the NY Times... October 11, 2001 Penn Station Faces Delay of Expansion By DAVID W. DUNLAP The attack on New York City has claimed =97 at least temporarily =97 one = of the more celebrated development projects of recent years: an ambitious plan t= o expand Pennsylvania Station into a vast new glass-covered ticketing hall = and concourse in the General Post Office on Eighth Avenue. The United States Postal Service has told New York State officials that i= t would suspend activity on the redevelopment project because of its own financial straits and because the General Post Office, or the James A. Farley Building, is now needed to house operations from 90 Church Street = and other postal stations in Lower Manhattan that were damaged or disrupted o= n Sept. 11. An almost balletic alignment of city, state and federal agencies =97 to s= ay nothing of Amtrak, the Postal Service and the private developers =97 is required for the $788 million project to go forward. Therefore, stumbling blocks can imperil its entire future, particularly at a time of competing demands for billions of dollars to rebuild the city's economy and infrastructure. So officials in Gov. George E. Pataki's administration, which has long championed the Pennsylvania Station project, did nothing to disguise thei= r anger yesterday. "Any substantial delay is problematic," said Michael Marr, a spokesman fo= r the Empire State Development Corporation, which is overseeing the project= =2E "It's fair to say the post office has forced a substantial delay upon us.= " He added: "It's not just the time delay we're worried about. We're worrie= d about jeopardizing the entire funding structure for the project." After praising the helping hand offered by so many Americans to New York = in its time of need, Mr. Marr said, "Only the Postal Service has extended a hand trying to take something back that it had previously agreed to provi= de to New Yorkers." For its part, the Postal Service said in a statement yesterday that becau= se it was "facing severe financial constraints on capital expenditures," it = had expressed its concerns about the feasibility of the Pennsylvania Station redevelopment project long before the attack. But as it happened, the vital Church Street Station at 90 Church Street w= as severely damaged on Sept. 11, the Postal Service said. It sits across Wes= t Broadway from 7 World Trade Center, the third tower to collapse that day. Operations from Church Street have been moved to the Farley Building, between 31st and 33rd Streets, an enormous mail-handling factory behind i= ts expansive colonnade, broad staircase and inscribed entablature ("Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"). "It may require several months to evaluate and complete repairs to the Church Street facility," the Postal Service said in its statement. "Norma= l access to the facility may take even longer. In the meantime, space in th= e Farley Building has been pressed into service to enable vital mail servic= es in Lower Manhattan to continue." The Farley Building, an official city landmark, was designed by McKim, Me= ad & White, architects of the original Pennsylvania Station, which was razed= in the early 1960's. It sits directly above Amtrak's underground passenger platforms, which made it an appealing choice to station planners. But the Postal Service has struggled with state officials over how much space it should be expected to give up in the Farley Building. Its positi= on was probably stated most succinctly three years ago by one of its vice presidents, John F. Kelly, who said, "It's just as important to the city = to have viable postal service as it is to have a viable train station." Despite the current impasse, the Postal Service said yesterday that it wa= s "continuing discussions with the interested parties." And Mr. Marr said ground could be broken within four months if the Postal Service agreed. T= he station would take about five years to build. A great shell-shaped, trellis-work glass canopy would be built between th= e original Farley Building and a later addition, creating a 300-foot- long midblock ticketing hall. Concourses would be created in the atrium of the original Farley Building, which is now used as a work floor for letter carriers. There would also be 100,000 square feet of retail space. The project would be developed on a 35-year lease by Penn Station Venture= s, a partnership of the Staubach Company and Fraport A. G.-Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. The architects include Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; Ha= rdy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates; and RTKL Associates. "We're making a great gateway to a great city," one of the architects, Hu= gh Hardy, said yesterday. "You could make a case that it's more important th= an ever." Copyright 2001 The New York Times Company ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3BC5A60A.BD0009F9_@_Qwest.net> References: <002901c152be$deaf9f80$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 07:00:42 -0700 From: Bob Harbison Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Pennsylvania Station, NYC Jim Dent wrote: > From the NY Times... > Penn Station Faces Delay of Expansion > An almost balletic alignment of city, state and federal agencies > — to say nothing of Amtrak, the Postal Service and the private > developers — is required for the $788 million project to go forward. Gee, I wonder what kind of service improvements Amtrak could make with 788 million? I like the idea of a new station, but I also wonder if it wouldn't be a better investment to buy more trains? > The project would be developed on a 35-year lease by Penn > Station Ventures, a partnership of the Staubach Company and > Fraport A. G.-Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Am I understanding this correctly? After spending almost a billion on the project, (sure, they say $788 now, but when is the last time they came in under budget?) Amtrak will only lease the building not own it? Is that really a good idea? - -- Bob Harbison - Bob_@_RailroadInfo.Com NEW! Microsoft Train Simulator File Library http://www.railroadpix.com/mstsfiles/index.html http://www.RailroadInfo.com - Railroad news and information. http://www.RailroadData.com - Links to over 4,000 RR Websites! http://www.RailroadPix.com - Railroad photo gallery http://www.RailroadBookstore.com - Discount Railroad Books ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003d01c152c3$9e9304a0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> References: <002901c152be$deaf9f80$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> <3BC5A60A.BD0009F9@Qwest.net> Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 22:14:27 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Pennsylvania Station, NYC No one said Amtrak was paying $788M, only that was what the project would cost. Contributors include NJ Transit, state and federal agencies, private developers and the USPS (and Amtrak). That said I agree with Dan Chazin's earlier remarks that an entirely new Penn Station should be considered on the site of the present Madison Square Garden. Jim - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Harbison" To: "Jim Dent" Cc: "RSHS List" Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2001 10:00 AM Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Pennsylvania Station, NYC Jim Dent wrote: > From the NY Times... > Penn Station Faces Delay of Expansion > An almost balletic alignment of city, state and federal agencies > - to say nothing of Amtrak, the Postal Service and the private > developers - is required for the $788 million project to go forward. Gee, I wonder what kind of service improvements Amtrak could make with 788 million? I like the idea of a new station, but I also wonder if it wouldn't be a better investment to buy more trains? > The project would be developed on a 35-year lease by Penn > Station Ventures, a partnership of the Staubach Company and > Fraport A. G.-Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Am I understanding this correctly? After spending almost a billion on the project, (sure, they say $788 now, but when is the last time they came in under budget?) Amtrak will only lease the building not own it? Is that really a good idea? - -- Bob Harbison - Bob_@_RailroadInfo.Com NEW! Microsoft Train Simulator File Library http://www.railroadpix.com/mstsfiles/index.html http://www.RailroadInfo.com - Railroad news and information. http://www.RailroadData.com - Links to over 4,000 RR Websites! http://www.RailroadPix.com - Railroad photo gallery http://www.RailroadBookstore.com - Discount Railroad Books ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 15:43:16 -0400 From: "Kenyon F. Karl" Subject: (rshsdepot) Penn Station Faces Delay of Expansion The attack on New York City has claimed — at least temporarily — one of the more celebrated development projects of recent years: an ambitious plan to expand Pennsylvania Station into a vast new glass-covered ticketing hall and concourse in the General Post Office on Eighth Avenue. http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/11/nyregion/11PENN.html ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #176 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2001 12:15:24 -0400 From: "Kenyon F. Karl" Subject: (rshsdepot) Post Office to Proceed in Expanding Penn Station After suggesting otherwise, the United States Postal Service has said it is ready to move full speed ahead on plans to expand Pennsylvania Station into a vast new ticketing hall and concourse in the General Post Office on Eighth Avenue. http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/13/nyregion/13PENN.html ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2001 23:11:23 -0400 From: "Kenyon F. Karl" Subject: (rshsdepot) FWD: Barnstable MA Railroad Station Lease signing ceremony NERAIL Digest - 13 Oct 2001 - Special issue (#2001-881) Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2001 06:54:09 EDT From: "Linda I. Simmons" Subject: Lease signing ceremony Hi Listers, On Sunday, October 14th, 200l at 1pm, dignitaries from the town of Barnstable, State Reps, and the Cape Cod Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society will gather at the High Level Platform of the West Barnstable Railroad Station to sign the lease for the Cape Cod Chapter to restore this 1912 building. The station will be open for all to tour and see how we are going to restore this beautiful building. The interior has not been touched since closing in 1959. It is like stepping back in time. The Chapter will restore this station to its former beauty and reopen it as a museum and Cape Cod railroad educational facility. You may take a complimentary ride on the Cape Cod Central Railroad departing -From Hyannis to the ceremonies only and return to Hyannis. Come one and all and join us in a day of history and education. Caboosegal ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #177 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002d01c1554e$c0d4b4e0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 03:55:27 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) North Canaan, CT Union Station consumed by fire For a photograph and more info on the depot see John Dahl's Great Railroad Strations" article at: http://www.trainweb.org/rshs/GRS%20-%20Cannan.htm -From the Hartford (CT) Courant... Fire Hits Train Depot By DAVID OWENS The Hartford Courant October 14, 2001 NORTH CANAAN - A voracious fire fed by oil-soaked floorboards and insulation consumed half of the historic Canaan Union Station early Saturday. The railroad station, built in 1872 where two rail lines crossed, is the centerpiece of North Canaan's small downtown and was home to several businesses, including the restaurant where investigators think the fire began. The station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The southern half of the L-shaped building was destroyed. Firefighters from more than a half-dozen towns fought the fire, which was reported Saturday about 1:30 a.m. They attacked the fire at the building's corner, pushing the flames into the burned portion of the station and saving the northern half, where the Housatonic Railroad's offices are located. Paul Ramunni, a local accountant who owns the station and whose firm was based on the second floor of the section destroyed Saturday, said he always knew a fire would be catastrophic. Still, he expressed hope that the station could be rebuilt. "We've always felt ... this was the heart of Canaan," Ramunni said. "It would be difficult not to rebuild it. The only thing that would stop us is the money." Insurance adjusters are expected to view the wreckage by Monday. First Selectman Douglas E. Humes and state Rep. F. Philip Prelli, R-Winsted, were at the fire scene Saturday and said they would seek money to help get the station rebuilt. Humes said he's already heard from townspeople who want to help too. "We're going to help Paul all we can," Humes said. Humes said he learned of the fire shortly after 2 a.m., when Canaan Fire Company Chief Charlie Perotti called him to the scene. He said that as he traveled down Route 7 to the fire he could see the glow. "I was sick to my stomach," he said. Firefighters have always feared a fire in the station and almost a decade ago came up with a detailed plan to battle a blaze. That plan appears to have worked, as half the station was saved. "We blew the fire back toward the burned section," Perotti said. "We wanted to cut it off to try and save the rest of the building. We did it." Ramunni said he was stunned by the work firefighters did. "I'm in shock they were able to save any of it," he said. Years ago oil was poured onto the floor boards to preserve them. Ramunni said that because of the building's age, he didn't expect to see much left of the station. State police Sgt. Scott Llewellyn said insulation used during the 1960s and early 1970s also fueled the fire. "The thing that really fed this fire was the sprayed on insulating material," said Llewellyn, who oversaw state fire investigators at the scene Saturday. North Canaan has always considered itself a railroad town, largely because it developed after the railroad arrived. "Until the railroad came through, there was very little here in what is the center village of Canaan," Fred Hall, the town's municipal historian, said in 1997. "There were two or three homes, but practically nothing that would identify the center of the village." And while there are dozens of attractive railroad stations across Connecticut, few display the Victorian grandeur of the union station. It was built by the original Housatonic Railroad Co. and the Connecticut Western Railroad. Each line occupied a two-story wing. Where the two wings met, a three-story tower provided a view down each line. That tower is heavily charred, but appears to have survived the fire for now. North Canaan Fire Marshal John Foley said that although they know the fire started in the southeast corner of the restaurant, they do not know how. The investigation could take several weeks, he said. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003901c15555$526ada00$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 04:42:28 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Sacremento, CA -From Altamont Press... UP to repair Old Sacramento REA building After months of uncertainty, Union Pacific railroad officials agreed Wednesday to city demands to put a temporary roof on the vacant Railway Express Agency building downtown to forestall further deterioration. That work, however, likely will not take place until January at the earliest, meaning the 1920s-vintage brick structure will spend at least part of another winter exposed to the elements. The building, a sister structure to the I Street rail depot next door, has suffered from a collapsing roof for at least five years, causing progressive water damage inside, city officials said. The warehouse-style building once was a distribution center for Railway Express Agency, a nationwide package and delivery company. The city ordered UP this year to stabilize the building and fix the roof before the rainy season. -Mark Granados ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004901c15556$ad36c240$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 04:52:10 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) =?Windows-1252?Q?Sun_to_set_soon_on_CSX=92s_Sand_Patch_Tower?= =46rom Trains.com Newswire... Sun to set soon on CSX=92s Sand Patch Tower Sand Patch Tower, perhaps the most famous of the remaining active towers = on CSX=92s former Baltimore & Ohio lines through the Alleghenies, will close= by early November, the railroad has confirmed. The specific date of its closure depends on how swiftly crews can complet= e the cutover that will remote-control the territory now controlled by operators in the two-story brick affair that sits atop Sand Patch summit = in southwestern Pennsylvania. The cutover project will begin October 27, said CSX spokesman Gary Sease, and is scheduled for completion on November 6. The tower=92s closing date= , however, could move up or be pushed back, depending on how smoothly the cutover project goes. The SA Tower operator controls train movements on the grade=92s east slop= e, between Hyndman and Sand Patch, where the rails of CSX=92s Keystone Sub c= rest the Alleghenies at an elevation of 2258 feet. Soon, dispatchers at CSX=92= s operations center in Jacksonville, Fla., will use keyboards to control th= is demanding piece of railroad, in place of the pistol-grip levers used by operators working the tower=92s ancient interlocking machine. Towers that remain open in Sand Patch=92s general neighborhood include Hancock, Martinsburg, Keyser, and Rowlesburg. Systemwide, 15 active manne= d interlocking towers remain on CSX, some of which are operated in conjunct= ion with other railroads. What=92s to become of SA Tower itself after the last operator turns off t= he light and locks the door? The railroad has no specific plans either to demolish or preserve the building, Sease said. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <005101c15557$996826e0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 04:58:46 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Hickory, NC -From the Charlotte, NC Observer... Makeover for train station Renovations will ready Hickory building for passenger rail service By KATE DERINGER Plans have begun to renovate the Hickory train station as part of a state initiative to provide passenger rail service to western North Carolina. The renovations would convert the northeast part of the Government Avenue building into a rail terminal, with space for ticket sales, restrooms, storage and a waiting area, said Chuck Wiles, Hickory's senior transportation planner. Garcia's restaurant, which leases its space from the city, would continue to operate in the building when the station opens. The project is part of the first phase of an N.C. Department of Transportation effort to have passenger rail service in place in 2005. Trains would run from Salisbury to Asheville, stopping at Statesville, Hickory, Valdese, Morganton, Marion, Old Fort and Black Mountain and connecting to long-distance rail service. Trains last served Hickory in the late 1960s. Buses, taxis and the Piedmont Wagon Transit System also likely would pick up and drop off passengers at the Hickory station, Wiles said. In addition to the work on the building's interior, the parking lot will require modifications, and a boarding platform must be added before trains could serve the station, said John Tippett, transportation director for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments. Wiles said it is too early to determine a timeline for the renovations, which will cost about $420,000. Eighty percent of the money will come from the Federal Highway Administration, 10 percent from the state and 10 percent -From local funds. In the next few weeks, officials will interview architects who have submitted proposals, Tippett said. Declining air quality in the Hickory area has made the city particularly interested in securing rail service, Wiles said. Train service in Hickory would reduce congestion on area roads and offer travelers a convenient alternative to driving, Tippett said. Wiles noted an additional perk to having an operational train station in Hickory. "It would definitely be an economic boost," he said. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3.0.3.32.20011014233743.00afab10_@_127.0.0.1> In-Reply-To: <200110140934.f9E9Y0f36279_@_net.bluemoon.net> Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2001 23:37:43 -0500 From: Bill Pollard Subject: (rshsdepot) CO&G frt station-Little Rock AR More CO&G depot shots, by John Jones (posted on Zig' web site.) ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3.0.3.32.20011014234429.00afb2e0_@_127.0.0.1> In-Reply-To: <200110140934.f9E9Y0f36279_@_net.bluemoon.net> Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2001 23:44:29 -0500 From: Bill Pollard Subject: (rshsdepot) Choctaw freight station Previous message was transmitted before message was completed - sorry. An information web site has been created for the CO&G 1899 freight station in Little Rock, Arkansas, now threatened with demolition so that land can be used by the Clinton presidential library. background history and photos additional photos Extensive efforts are underway to preserve this station, but demolition could begin within 30 days. If you are interested in helping, please write (or e-mail) the individuals listed, asking them to preserve the Choctaw freight station as a companion to the 1899 Choctaw passenger station (which will be preserved.) Thanks. Bill Pollard ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #178 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <005f01c15572$31462d80$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 08:09:07 -0400 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Worcester, MA Rail station transfer planned; Amtrak property part of development plan By:Nick Kotsopoulos The state Executive Office of Transportation and Construction has informed city officials it intends to transfer ownership of the former Amtrak station off Shrewsbury Street to the Worcester Regional Transit Authority. Astrid Glynn, deputy secretary of Capital Planning and Multimodal Transportation, said the transfer is pending the preparation and submittal of an acceptable development plan for Union Station and the Washington Square area, including the old Amtrak station. The city has hired the Worcester Business Development Corp. to develop that report. Philip J. Niddrie, the city's chief development officer, said the city expects to receive that report from the WBDC in December. Last month, City Manager Thomas R. Hoover asked the state to demolish the now vacant station so much-needed parking spaces can be created for the Washington Square/Union Station area. He says that demolishing the building would enhance the city's ability to draw commercial activity to Union Station. The Executive Office of Transportation and Construction purchased the Amtrak building in February when the railroad relocated its operation into Union Station. Ms. Glynn said EOTC, like the city, is most interested in the full development and occupancy of Union Station as a central commercial and transportation center. Be assured that EOTC ultimately intends to transfer the ownership of the Amtrak property to the Worcester Regional Transit Authority,'' she wrote to Mr. Hoover. This action is pending the city's and WBDC's preparation and submittal of an acceptable plan for completion of the intermodal transportation center and the Union Station/Washington Square area.'' The state Department of Revenue has given preliminary approval to the city's triennial property revaluation efforts. To receive final certification from the DOR, public disclosure of the newly certified values is necessary. City Assessor Paul F. Leary said the city administration is preparing property valuation books that will be made available in various public locations for review, beginning Monday. City Manager Thomas R. Hoover said once Worcester's new property values receive final certification from the state, the city will begin preparing the necessary documents that allow for setting the city's fiscal 2002 tax rate. Mr. Hoover has recommended that the City Council schedule its annual tax classification hearing for Nov. 20. In honor of all the people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, has given the city a U.S. flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol. City Manager Thomas R. Hoover said he plans to have the flag displayed in City Hall, along with the framed citation from the congressman. We thank Congressman McGovern for giving us this flag because it is a symbol of our liberty, freedom and diversity of our country,'' Mr. Hoover said. It also has special symbolism having flown over the U.S. Capitol, the center of our national government.'' Mr. McGovern said he plans to send an American flag that has flown over the Capitol building to every city and town he represents. During last week's candidates forum at Clark University, the question of whether the city should fluoridate its drinking water was broached. While several of the candidates said it was an issue for the citizens to decide since it will be a referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot, Robert F. McCauley, a candidate for the District 4 City Council seat, offered a different spin. The voters will decide the fluoridation issues and that's how it should be. Personally, I favor putting minoxidil in the water,'' said Mr. McCauley, who has a receding hairline. District 4 City Councilor Janice L. Nadeau received a nice ovation from the crowd at that same candidates forum. Sharon P. Krefetz, associate professor of government at Clark University and director of the Program on Urban Development and Social Change, introduced Mrs. Nadeau, noting her 14 years of service on the council. Mrs. Nadeau is not seeking re-election. She attended the forum as a resident of District 4 and asked the candidates whether they favor changing the city charter or changing the composition of the City Council, so there are more district than at-large councilors. A public hearing will be held Monday on the process to update and formalize the master plan of proposed improvements to the Worcester Common. The hearing is at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council chamber in City Hall. Michael V. O'Brien, commissioner of parks, recreation and cemetery, said there will be an open discussion/question-and-comment period for those in attendance. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <005501c15613$c615f660$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2001 03:25:47 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Carbondale, IL -From Southern Illinois.com OLD DEPOT CONNECTS CARBONDALE TO THE WORLD [Sun Oct 14 2001] CARBONDALE -- This city's Old Depot has a big place in Alan Harasimowicz's heart and memories. Back in 1963, it provided the first roof over his head in Southern Illinois, he recalled. He'd just served three years in the military, so he and a longtime friend, Joe, decided to choose a college to attend. They narrowed their choices to Northern Illinois University in Dekalb and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. They drove to Dekalb, where Joe liked the three-girls-to-every-guy ratio. But Alan wasn't quite convinced and "hopped the IC that evening -- destination Carbondale," he said. That train was the "milk train" that stopped in nearly every town and arrived in Carbondale at 2 a.m. "Not knowing a soul, nor having anywhere to go, I entered the station, curled up on one of the huge wooden benches (anyone know where they are now?) and had my first Southern Illinois sleep under my First Roof in Carbondale," he wrote in the gallery notes for "All Aboard Southern Illinois." "I love that station, and appreciate all the fine people who worked so hard to save it from destruction," he added. - -- Linda Rush ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #179 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004901c15632$985efcc0$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2001 07:06:23 -0400 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Evesham, NJ Panel wants to re-create rail-station By Danielle Delfin BCT staff writer Burlington County Times EVESHAM - Long before the Marlton Circle and rush-hour traffic began causing headaches for motorists here, the railroad came through town on what is now one of the most heavily traveled roads in Burlington County. No signs of the old Philadelphia-Marlton-Medford line exist in the township today. But a group of history buffs hope to bring a piece of the rail line back to Route 70, which was built on the bed of the old rail line. A subcommittee of Evesham's Historic Preservation Commission, which oversees the exterior changes to the historic buildings in town, is planning to build a replica of the old Marlton Village Train Station on a site along Route 70 between Locust and Cooper avenues. Originally, the station was located at what is now the intersection of Route 70 and Cooper Avenue. "I think it's important to show the history of how Marlton came about," said Julie Gandy, the vice chairwoman of the commission and chairwoman of the subcommittee heading up the project. The Philadelphia-Marlton-Medford Railroad Company was incorporated in January 1880. Within months, construction of the line began. By July 1881, trains were carrying freight and passengers between Haddonfield and Marlton, according to the Web site Keystone Crossings. The line originally was built as an interchange link of the Camden & Atlantic Railroad Company. In the years it ran, it was a key link to the then-farming community of Evesham. Local farmers would load the train with their goods to sell in Philadelphia, Gandy said. With the advent of the automobile, the line suffered and was shut down around 1930. Three of the eight stops on the rail line were in Evesham, including the Marlton Village, Cropwell and Melrose stations. The Melrose station was at Route 70 near Evesboro-Medford Road at the Evesham-Medford border. Meanwhile, it's the destruction of the old Cropwell station - which once stood where the McDonald's restaurant is now located at Cropwell Road and Route 70 - that will provide a portion of the money needed for the Marlton Village Station project. After years on Cropwell Road, the Cropwell station was moved to various sites around the township, ending up at a site on Taunton Lake Road. In 1988, a subcontractor of a developer there accidentally demolished the 106-year-old, 12-by-16 foot wooden structure. The township assessed the builder with various fines for destroying the station, which was supposed to be turned over to the commission for restoration. Those fines and penalties included $12,000 to rebuild the station and drawings of the building. Now, the commission has decided to use that money to replicate the Marlton Village Station, which was the largest of the three Evesham stations. The commission has just begun the research necessary to complete the project, which Councilman and commission member Jud Hanlon said could take more than five years to complete. A portion of the proceeds from the Fall Festival earlier this month will be donated to the effort. "The Cropwell station was a real loss for us, so we're trying to make sure the money we received from that is well spent," said Paul Garver, commission chairman. "The new replica station will, hopefully, draw visitors to our historic downtown." While the plan is still in its infancy, the commission envisions the replica station as a focal point for the historic village that includes Main Street and Maple Avenue and other streets in the immediate area. One idea includes using the station as a museum/welcome center for the village of Marlton, commission members said. In addition, the members hope to connect a walking path into the downtown area and a bicycle path along Route 70 into Medford. The commission wants to build the replica station on an unused, extra wide right-of-way owned by the New Jersey Department of Transportation along Route 70, but it does not yet have the approval to build there. "We hope the station will provide a focal point for our downtown," Gandy said. "It will be a gateway into the village." The next commission meeting on the station plan will be held Oct. 22 at the township building on Tuckerton Road. The time has yet to be determined. For more information, call the township at (856) 983-1800. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <001c01c156f5$a6fdc630$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2001 06:22:41 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Shortsville, NY NOTE: This message had contained at least one image attachment. To view or download the image(s), click on or cut and paste the following URL into your web browser and click/select the index or matching subject link. http://www.railfan.net/lists/mplist.cgi?rshsdepot-photo rvclehigh_D262.jpg (8618 bytes) =46rom The (Canandaigua, NY) Daily Messenger... SHORTSVILLE - A former freight depot for the New York Central railroad ha= s been purchased by a Manchester organization to showcase railroad memorabilia. The Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society bought the property at 8 E. High St. for $69,000, according to society secretary Emma Halderman. The total assessed value of the half-acre of land, which includes a two-story building most recently occupied by Magnus Precision Manufacturing, is $45,000, according to officials from Ontario County Real Property Tax Services. The land alone is assessed at $11,100, officials said. The purchase was completed on Oct. 4, Halderman said. The society put dow= n $20,000 at the Oct. 4 closing of the acquisition, and has taken out a $49,000 mortgage, which will be paid for with fund-raisers, she said. The freight depot, which is about 2,750 square feet, was built about 100 years ago, Halderman said. It will be used for railway exhibits, and as a place for the society to develop educational programs and events related = to the Lehigh Valley Railroad as well as other railways in the area, she sai= d. The Lehigh Valley Railroad started in 1892, according to Manchester town historian Richard Combs. The first railroad in the Manchester area was th= e Auburn to Rochester railway, which started in the late 1830s, he said. Among the items that will be displayed in the newly acquired property is = a "large and very heavy" bell that came from a steel locomotive, Halderman said. The bell was donated by the family of a Manchester man who "had it = in his driveway in front of his garage," she said. Another exhibit is a sterling silver sugar bowl and cream pitcher, which came from the business car of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, Halderman said,= as well as many documents and photographs related to the industry. The society was formed in 1994, with 10 to 12 charter members, Halderman said. As of last year, the group had grown to 199 members nationwide. The society meets every third Sunday of each month, at 7 p.m. in the Manchester Village Hall. The next meeting is Oct. 21. =A9Daily Messenger 2001 ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002601c156f7$1e01cd70$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2001 06:33:10 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Little Rock, AR =46rom the Washington (D.C.) Times... Activists fight for railroad building By Hugh Aynesworth LITTLE ROCK =97 Preservationists want the foundation spearheading the Cli= nton Presidential Library to restore a 102-year-old railroad building rather t= han allow the city to tear it down. As things stand, when the city clears the land for the 27-acre park and library complex, it will demolish the Choctaw Freight Building, one of th= e few surviving brick stations left in Arkansas. Gregory Ferguson, a North Little Rock lawyer, leads an effort to sav= e the structure, but time apparently is running out. Little Rock City Attorney Tom Carpenter said recently plans were definitely set to destroy the depot unless the Clinton Foundation or the former president himself ordered a revision of the project plans. Skip Rutherford, a close Clinton family friend who heads the foundation, was not available for comment over the weekend but has been quoted on several occasions as saying he felt the land belonged to the ci= ty and the city should have the right to determine how it was used. "If they wanted to reconsider," said Mr. Carpenter, "we could, but I have been told that the plans have been finalized and it is too late to change them." Gene Pfeifer, the former owner of the property, has a pending lawsui= t against the city challenging the city's eminent domain proceedings, and s= ays he would save the structure if he wins his legal case, which should be he= ard later this month. "It's a historic building," he said, "a beautiful structure." "Many cities would love to have such a building," said Jim Deaver, a local architect. "I would think some of them might even buy it, move it a= nd then reassemble it. Some day, we will be sorry we lost it." Mr. Ferguson calls the old freight terminal "an incredible building.= " "It's in pristine condition," he said, "a building in a building and truly a jewel for the city." Thanks to preservationists two generations ago, a larger, metal warehouse was built around the depot just after World War II and the bric= k and most of the depot's glass windows remain unharmed. The building is the freight counterpart to the Choctaw passenger station, which the Clinton Foundation and the city plan to restore to bec= ome part of an educational facility for the presidential library. The William J. Clinton Presidential Center will be located within a = new 27-acre city park along the south bank of the Arkansas River here =97 replacing an industrial site of old warehouses and vacant space. It will provide access to a revitalized riverfront as well as a connection to downtown. An abandoned Rock Island Railroad bridge will be refurbished as= a pedestrian crossing. "You can't save every building," said a caller to a local radio talk show last week. "Remember, they are going to save the main Choctaw passen= ger depot =97 and that was far more important than the freight-handling stati= on." ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #180 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <012201c15794$c207c530$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2001 01:21:36 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Dunsmuir, CA -From Railway Preservation News... Remnant of the SP Dunsmuir Shops Demolished The UP has demolished the 1880's machine shop/boiler house at Dunsmuir, CA. This was the last remaining building from the SP's major steam locomotive servicing facilities formerly located at the site, and dating from 1884. In addition to the boiler house, there was once a large roundhouse, turntable and engine machine shop. The Roundhouse was reduced to around six stalls in the 1950s. These stalls were used by the city to store equipment, but they caved in during a major snowstorm around 1964, and were replaced by a metal building still in use by the city. The turntable is still in place and used to turn helper locomotives. The engine machine shop was torn down in the summer of 1969 after some talk of re-using it as a brewery. Dunsmuir's wooden station was also demolished in 1969, after no one in the city offered to occupy and care for it. Still standing is the "Mallet shed" a small, but long, two-track wood/asbestos siding building that was used to house the "too long for the roundhouse" mallet locos. It survived as the School District's bus barn. The original doors on this shed came from the Gerber enginehouse, and two sets are still in use (the south pair were replaced with smaller roll-up doors for the buses.). Also still standing are a few of the "big hats" houses just above the tracks. They will probably go when the residents pass away (they reportedly have life leases). Many interesting photos of these structures can be seen this link. http://www.snowcrest.net/photobob/dunphotos.html (David Dewey via a post by Bob Morris on TrainOrders.Com) ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #181 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003a01c15803$c747c440$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2001 14:36:18 -0400 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) National City, CA National City hopes grow for limited Amtrak train service Copley News Service...10/18/2001 Getting to Los Angeles or points beyond may soon be easier for residents of San Diego's South Bay with Amtrak plans to make the 118-year-old historic National City train depot its southern-most stop. "This has been talked about for a long time," said Richard Hamilton of the Electric Railway Association, which operates the depot. "We are anxious to see something like this happen." For two years there's been talk about adding passenger rail service to National City as part of Amtrak's move to build a facility here for light maintenance and cleaning of trains. Initial plans for the facility may be ready as early as January 2002, and preliminary work, such as upgrading street crossings, may begin by the end of April. Officials would not speculate as to any possible starting dates for passenger service. Bob Brendza, director of facility development for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, said only that things are starting to move beyond the "feasibility stage." The plan calls for the last four southbound trains in the evening to be brought into National City, where they will be cleaned and kept overnight. City officials first met with Amtrak, the California Department of Transportation and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad in May of 2000. Some felt the maintainence facility would provide little benefit to the city, so getting the passenger service was the only way they were willing to allow the project to move forward. "I was prepared to vote against the whole thing," Councilman Ron Morrison said after a workshop meeting Tuesday. "But they actually gave us some times, some schedules. They gave us some assurances. This is going to be a valuable service to the South Bay." The schedule will be limited, including the first four trains out in the morning and the last four in the evening. Approximate times include four hourly trains in the morning, starting at 5:45 a.m., and nightly at 9 p.m., 10:30 p.m. 11:45 p.m. and 1:15 a.m. The schedule is not meant for commuters, but rather for recreational travelers, who make up 70 percent or more of Amtrak's Southern California service, said Patrick Merrill, a project manager with Caltrans. Amtrak's passenger service currently runs from San Diego's Union Station to Los Angeles and points beyond. Passenger trains stopped traveling to National City's Santa Fe Depot in the early 1900s. The proposed station will be at the depot, but will be unmanned, so passengers will purchase tickets either from a vending machine or on board. Paul Desrochers, executive director of the city's redevelopment agency, said he is concerned about how the maintenance facility will look, especially since the city is trying hard to revitalize the historic train depot area, which currently is home to light industrial businesses but which soon may add a hotel complex and marina. "We don't want to just see this as a storage yard," he said. "We have some real concerns about landscaping, impacts on the neighborhoods, street crossings, noise." Desrochers was seeking assurances that the area wouldn't become a storage yard for box cars and have a "deleterious effect" on the neighborhood. "They need to know that we aren't just saying they can come and do anything they want, and ruin the neighborhood." The maintenance is to be only light cleaning, Merrill said, and the nosie level should be minimal because that work is all "dead engine stuff." Currently, there is no room at San Diego's Santa Fe Depot for cleaning of the trains, so it is primarily done in Los Angeles. Cleaning them here in National City would make for more efficient schedules on the entire route, officials said. Amtrak was originally interested in the Pacific Steel metal recycling yard, stretching several blocks along Cleveland Avenue on the city's west side. But because of difficulty in acquiring that property, they are now looking at an adjacent eight-acre site owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #182 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003101c15925$555f5e60$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2001 01:09:02 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Niles Train Depot, Fremont, CA -From the Altamont Press Newsline... Niles Depot 100th birthday this Saturday The historic Niles Train Depot, located at 36997 Mission Boulevard (at Sullivan Underpass) in Fremont, CA, will be celebrating its 100th birthday this year. A centennial celebration commemorating the event will be held Saturday Oct20, from 10:00 to 16:00. Doors will open at 10:00 for a self-guided tour (docents available) with the ceremony set for 11:00. Entertainment to follow at 11:30 and through the afternoon. There will be several booths near the station to delight visitors with train memorabilia and information. There will be a raffle at 14:30 for two HO model train layouts donated by the Tri-City Society of Model Engineers. The Niles Depot Historical Association and the Niles Merchants Association are cosponsoring this new event. The Depot celebration is being held in conjunction with the Niles Harvest Festival in downtown Niles sponsored by the Niles Merchants Association. -Tom Nelson ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003901c15927$ff20f0b0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2001 01:28:06 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) East Union, IL (formerly Marengo, IL) =46rom Trains.com... Birthday celebration at Illinois Railway Museum The Illinois Railway Museum will celebrate the 150th birthday of its East Union station on Saturday, October 20. It is the oldest station in continuous operation west of Pittsburgh. The station was originally constructed by Chicago's first railroad, the Galena & Chicago Union, at Marengo, Ill., now part of Union Pacific=92s ex-Chicago & North Western Belvedere Subdivision, linking Chicago and Rockford. Passenger service to Marengo ended in 1950, but the depot remai= ned in freight service until the mid-1960s. The Illinois Railway Museum purchased the station in 1967. The building w= as cut into two large sections and moved to IRM's facilities by truck. It ha= s since served as the museum=92s main station. ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #183 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <10.1431337f.2902b277_@_aol.com> Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2001 06:56:55 EDT From: Dherbert53_@_aol.com Subject: (rshsdepot) Portland, ME -From the Downeaster.Com website: The Portland Intermodal Passenger Facility will be located at Thompsons Point on Sewall Street, not far from the site of Portland's original rail terminal, Union Station. This location already acts as an intercity bus terminal. Expansion of the existing facility will include a waiting area, ticket counter, bathrooms and a covered walkway from the terminal to the platform, where boarding will occur. The former Union Station on St. John Street, which was being underutilized at the time, was dismantled in 1961, prior to Portland's landmark preservation movement, to make way for a shopping center. Passenger rail service to Portland was completely discontinued in 1965. The loss of such a monumental edifice was mourned by much of the Greater Portland community and helped spawn the strong preservation sentiment alive in the region today. After spending more than two decades in storage, the clock which adorned Union Station's tower was installed in Congress Square, the center of Portland's Arts District, where it serves as a beautiful legacy of the station. A new clock has been crafted for the tower to be built at the permanent home of Portland's future railroad station. A call has gone out and private citizens are starting to come forth with donations of architecturally significant items, rescued from the demolition of Union Station, for display in the new station. Already pieces of granite, stained glass windows, benches, a ticket window cage and an original chandelier have been located. Construction of Portland's interim 3,500-4,000 square foot Intermodal Passenger Facility is expected to begin this winter. Approximately 675 parking spaces will be available at the facility for users. Portland's Department of Transportation intends to integrate passenger rail service with other modes of transportation by connecting the airport, ferry terminals, and the downtown peninsula to the Thompsons Point facility via shuttle service. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3BD164B9.CEE91437_@_bellsouth.net> References: <10.1431337f.2902b277_@_aol.com> Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2001 07:49:13 -0400 From: Seth Bramson Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Portland, ME Good morning, all, and thank you for sending this, sir. Several comments and one MAJOR correction: Maine's attitude toward preserving anything rare and unique rail related was, until recently, shameful. The destruction of the narrow gauge railroads (it is positively criminal that the state did not step in and save the B&H, the last of the two footers, even if it meant mothballing it, and this is something that the great Maine RR writer and historian Linwood Moody proposed for years) without state or local intervention to preserve is but one sad example, and in Maine there are many, from allowing the tearing down of architecturally or historically significant depots to the GM-inspired rape of Maine's electric railways. It was only because of the fellow who owned the cranberry bogs in Mass that so much of the 2 foot gauge equipment was preserved. While it was absolutely awful that Portland Union was torn down, it was understandable at the time, and preservation, though certainly desirable, needs to be termpered with reason and I am not sure there was anything architecturally significant enough about Union Station to warrant it being saved; such was NOT the case, however, with Portland's Grand Trunk Station, which was absolutely an architectural gem, and it's small size (compared to Union, which was served by the MeC and the B&M) would have made it perfect for salvation. Unfortunately, the minds of the time were not oriented that way. Now, the correction: the comment that "Passenger rail service to Portland was completely discontinued in 1965" is absolutely incorrect. Sometime around (I could look up the exact date, but for the purposes of this exercise, allow me to use the approximation) 1964 or so, the Grand Trunk, which had been running one round trip daily from Portland to Montreal, opted, due to low ridership, to operate said train during the summer only and until 1967, the GT operated that train from "about" June 15 till "about" Labor Day. I was there. I know. Following my first year at Cornell (not my freshman year!) I spent the summer of 1967 as Assistant Manager of the Samoset Hotel (yes, the famed, once owned by the Maine Central RR, huge wooden edifice on Penobscot Bay) in Rockland. Although, due to the weather, (13 days of sun the entire summer) I was somewhat unhappy, that unhappiness was termpered by the fact that I got to meet Wilfred Hall (who offered to let me ride the B&ML's trains) at Belfast, got to go to the Boothbay RR Museum, got to meet Linwood Moody (and was given one of his original ME n. g. photo albums) got to see the BAR's BL-2's at Searsport, and, perhaps from our purview, most importantly, got to stand on the still-existing concrete slab of the floor of the once-unique and bustling GT Station in Portland, which is where the GT summer-only train came and went from in that, it's last year of existence. On the first day of service that summer, there was a big to-do, and I and many others photo'ed the train extensively. I particularly remember Mr. Heseltine, famed not only for his photo abilities (he carried one of those HUGE Graflex cameras) but, like Bill Monypenny, his distinctive stand-downwind-from-him at your own risk aroma. (These two guys were like W. C. Fields: "Water? Water? Never touch the stuff! Kids pee it; fish (censored) in it! Never touch the stuff!" They may have "touched" it, but sure never performed abolutions with it!) At any rate, I photo'ed the train and several times during the summer on days off I "chased" it. Now, in thinking back, for that last summer of it's operation, 1967, it may have only run weekends, as, come to think of it, it was down to only a couple of days a week, not daily, but, indeed, Portland saw passenger rail till 1967. Ironically, although we think of Maine as having lost all passenger service then, even that is incorrect (although Portland was certainly gonished helphund) as the Canadian Pacific (isn't that ironic? after '67 the ONLY passenger service in Maine was operated by a Canadian road!) continued to operate their #'s 41 and 42 across the top of Maine (I think through Vanceboro) from Montreal to the Maritimes. In any event, wonderful memories, and, happy to report, having just purchased a MAJOR collection out of New York, loaded with both Union Station Portland and GT station postcards, but don't inquire yet, as the stuff--thousands and thousands of pieces, both photographic and memorabilia--is still coming out of boxes and several more trips will be required to bring it all back!) Dherbert53_@_aol.com wrote: > >From the Downeaster.Com website: > > The Portland Intermodal Passenger Facility will be located at Thompsons Point > on Sewall Street, not far from the site of Portland's original rail terminal, > Union Station. This location already acts as an intercity bus terminal. > Expansion of the existing facility will include a waiting area, ticket > counter, bathrooms and a covered walkway from the terminal to the platform, > where boarding will occur. > The former Union Station on St. John Street, which was being underutilized at > the time, was dismantled in 1961, prior to Portland's landmark preservation > movement, to make way for a shopping center. Passenger rail service to > Portland was completely discontinued in 1965. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2001 12:08:37 From: "Michael Bosak" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Portland, ME >From: Seth Bramson >Reply-To: rshsdepot_@_lists.railfan.net >To: Dherbert53_@_aol.com >CC: rshsdepot_@_lists.railfan.net >Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Portland, ME >Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2001 07:49:13 -0400 > >Good morning, all, and thank you for sending this, sir. >Several comments and one MAJOR correction: >Maine's attitude toward preserving anything rare and unique rail related >was, >until recently, shameful. The destruction of the narrow gauge railroads >(it is >positively criminal that the state did not step in and save the B&H, the >last of >the two footers, even if it meant mothballing it, and this is something >that the >great Maine RR writer and historian Linwood Moody proposed for years) >without >state or local intervention to preserve is but one sad example, and in >Maine >there are many, from allowing the tearing down of architecturally or >historically >significant depots to the GM-inspired rape of Maine's electric railways. >It was >only because of the fellow who owned the cranberry bogs in Mass that so >much of >the 2 foot gauge equipment was preserved. While it was absolutely awful >that >Portland Union was torn down, it was understandable at the time, and >preservation, though certainly desirable, needs to be termpered with reason >and I >am not sure there was anything architecturally significant enough about >Union >Station to warrant it being saved; Portland's Union Station WAS an architectural gem and should have been saved. Now it is a parking lot and abysmal shopping center (unless that to has been removed and/or abandoned). Mike _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3BD172DA.CDFA6BBF_@_bellsouth.net> References: Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2001 08:49:30 -0400 From: Seth Bramson Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Portland, ME Michael Bosak wrote: > >>snip from Seth< > >Portland Union was torn down, it was understandable at the time, and > >preservation, though certainly desirable, needs to be termpered with reason > >and I am not sure there was anything architecturally significant enough about > > >Union Station to warrant it being saved; > > >>Portland's Union Station WAS an architectural gem and should have been > saved. Now it is a parking lot and abysmal shopping center (unless that to > has been removed and/or abandoned). Mike > >>>Be assured, Mike, and all, that your (Mike's) comment is very much appreciated. Remember, though, that even if we loved the station, it's look, it's unique towers and design, the question at the time dealt with issues of private property, money, usefulness (with no passenger trains, the MeC thought, why do we need this huge edifice?) and future use. By the time I got there in '67 the station was gone. Unlike today, when we would chain ourselves to the building if necessary to preserve, that station was ripped down before the "modern" preservation movement, which really began with the destruction of magnificent Penn Station in NY City. (Unhappily, I must tell you I did witness that horror). As I'm looking at the building, (postcards of same) Mike, there is no question that at least part of it--the tower area--should have been saved (and, of course, WE would have loved for all of it to have been saved) but in a state that did not save one mile of narrow gauge RR, one steam locomotive, very, very few architecturally or historically significant stations, ANY of the great fleet of Maine Central passenger boats, ANY of it's street or electric railway heritage [only through the auspices of the great Seashore Trolley Museum did THAT happen] it is simply unrealistic to think or believe the minds of the time had one iota of interest in preservation. I am NOT disagreeing with you that we would have LIKED for it to have been saved, I am simply noting and calling to your attention that, given the tenor of the times, that could not have--and did not--occur(red), whereas today a building such as that would not have been torn down (at least in it's entirety) without a major preservation fight. Again, do not misunderstand: I AGREE with you, but what has happened has happened and no amount of present day anguish will change that. One other note: after the station was torn down, Bill Phillips, who was then in freight traffic with the MeC, told me in 1967 that "we don't know what we are going to with the property, but the taxes on the big, empty building were killing us" so I don't want you to think that (possibly before you were born or close thereto) I was not questioning "it" every time something terrible like that happened, but, again, I do have to question whether or not the ENTIRE (not the tower area) station would have been deemed an architectural landmark. What might occur today (if the station had somehow lasted) is that, like the May D&F tower on 17th Street Mall in Denver, or the Sears Tower here in the vile wild of nawth Cuber, the architecturally significant part (the tower area) might be saved, but the rest removed. Finally, do keep in mind that after the station was torn down, there was, for many years, "nothing" there, just a huge vacant area. The railroad wanted to sell it (the property) but for quite some time there were no buyers (Portland was not exactly a boom town in those days!) and it was to be some years before the people who built the shopping mall would come along and make an acceptable offer to the railroad. (In said mall, is there any small area of photographs or other tribute to the historical site? I wouldn't be surprised if not, as "mall people" are not known for any particular historic interest, but, as with our now disgusting Aventure Mall here, the Sofer family took a wonderful, upscale mall (albeit with the worst food court for a high grade mall in America) and absolutely ruined it by putting in a 24 theater complex. There is simply no end to their stupidity brought about by their unending greed--and keep in mind this -From a capitalist and (fiscal) conservative.) ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: In-Reply-To: Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2001 10:25:01 -0400 (EDT) From: Blue Moon Network Administrator Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Portland, ME On Sat, 20 Oct 2001, Michael Bosak wrote: > > Portland's Union Station WAS an architectural gem and should have been > saved. Now it is a parking lot and abysmal shopping center (unless that to > has been removed and/or abandoned). My younger brother gave me Kevin J. Holland's new book, Classic American Railroad Terminals, which had a short piece on Portland Union Station. It _was_ a grand old building. I had never seen a full view of that station before reading this book. It was demolished on the very day I was born. I truly hope that strip mall had been likewise destroyed. Henry J. Henry Priebe Jr. Blue Moon President & Network Administrator root_@_bluemoon.net www.bluemoon.net - Blue Moon Internet Corp V.90, X2 & K56flex www.railfan.net - The Railfan Network ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <001101c15971$df7444c0$6768153f_@_paul> Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2001 10:16:50 -0400 From: "Paul S. Luchter" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Portland, ME If we talk pragmatics, property rights, insurance claims fears, and all that yes of course NO former stations stand much chance.... I am not a super capitalist and hardly a fiscal conservative.... But if we are talking ancient history (and although maybe this doesn't apply to an Eastern State like Maine, railroads were given the land for nothing by the government(s), and many times to get a routing or a station they promised many things to the localities like perpetual passenger service... They reneged for the most part on the latter, they still own a lot of that land ) like the SP or whatever monstrous monopoly name is now used by the latest mega corporation owning (much of) their rails -much of hot property over the years, oil and gas enriched lands and all that.... So let's for argument say that the (two) station(s) in Portland were on land given to them by some government (Maine or US or Portland).....maybe there is something a little duplicitous in the righteousness of their right to sell the land (which no doubt was stolen in one way or another from the native population anyway), when they didn't probably pay maybe anything for the land in the first place.. The cool thing about Europe a lot of times, Greece and Italy is when they are digging a subway, let's say, and come across antiquities, if it is significant, they try to save it- Tearing down the stations in Portland was a crime, only understandable when looking at the backwards and stupid-thinking times-you know when SP served sandwich machines in place of dining cars on their long distance trains because well they owned them and had the right to do anything they wanted, when the West Shore RR (NYC) suspended ferry service mid day to Weehawken because well the rail service couldn't do that, but the ferry route was under different jurisdiction.... It is part and parcel with everything.....people practically worshipped at the depots and terminals and stations around the country for over 100, 150 years, and maybe in one or two decades after WW II turned their backs on them...although Seth shows how Maine was particularly bad at saving anything..this was for the most part a 10 or 15 year gap in total "who cares?" about rail heritage by most of the public... After all Penn Station was a hell of a lot of wasted air space if pragmatics and ownership of the land is so darn important......go look at the ferry concourse at DL&W station in Hoboken (second largest such unencumbered space after Versailles), unused and unneeded, and tell me how that might last if NJ authorities or PATH saw how really profitable a huge co-op, condo, project might be there... And saving just a tower is lame, sometimes it has to suffice and is better than nothing, but really-I don't know how that clock tower in Denver is now used but it looked pretty dumb on its own standing amidst nothing else all those years...while I like the streetcar waiting room of the NY&QCo Ry in Woodside, it seems rather forlorn as just a corner of a cheap looking shopping center, if they had reused the trolley barns for the mall would have been far better... Having nothing in Portland left of old RR stations is a crime, a retroactive crime maybe, but a crime none the less.....if a railroad had no use for it and no idea even how to use the land.....then it should have reverted to the government...no need to pay, not having to pay property taxes is after all all the RR really deserved, I don't know the history, but it seems they very rarely paid for the land they built the stations on-that seems the history on the LIRR and most other RR's.. Even a fiscal conservative and a rabid capitalist could see this.....knocking down stations that millions passed through including soldiers to wars that may go back to the Civil one, that is like destroying a memorial if the trains stop.... At least today people do for the most part realize that even if they don't follow my advice of seizing the property to prevent destruction In addition Penn Station would actually fit the argument of capital better since the property had plans and made big money and didn't sit as a vacant lot for years after the demolition... As opposed to the SP in San Francisco which demolished the really neat Mission style terminal on 3rd and Townsend and it was replaced by a trailer park, mobile home parkng lot...today this would be close to across the street from the new and retro baseball park......now there was some stupid thinking.....I can care less that the station wasa too much maintenance or taxes, and for all I know this was a decision of the commuter rail which was public run, but the trailer park was stupid and ugly and totally un-San Francisco, and the money made on it certainly didn't save the SP, none of their anti-heritage, anti-passenger helped them did it OK I have stopped raving and I hope no one quits because of "socialism for the classes, capitalism for the masses" sounding rhetoric (well actually the opposite of that which is the norm) Paul - -----Original Message----- From: Seth Bramson To: Michael Bosak Cc: rshsdepot_@_lists.railfan.net Date: Saturday, October 20, 2001 8:48 AM Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Portland, ME >Michael Bosak wrote: > >> >>snip from Seth< >> >Portland Union was torn down, it was understandable at the time, and >> >preservation, though certainly desirable, needs to be termpered with reason >> >and I am not sure there was anything architecturally significant enough about >> >> >Union Station to warrant it being saved; >> >> >>Portland's Union Station WAS an architectural gem and should have been >> saved. Now it is a parking lot and abysmal shopping center (unless that to >> has been removed and/or abandoned). Mike >> > >>>>Be assured, Mike, and all, that your (Mike's) comment is very much >appreciated. Remember, though, that even if we loved the station, it's look, >it's unique towers and design, the question at the time dealt with issues of >private property, money, usefulness (with no passenger trains, the MeC thought, >why do we need this huge edifice?) and future use. By the time I got there in >'67 the station was gone. Unlike today, when we would chain ourselves to the >building if necessary to preserve, that station was ripped down before the >"modern" preservation movement, which really began with the destruction of >magnificent Penn Station in NY City. (Unhappily, I must tell you I did witness >that horror). > >As I'm looking at the building, (postcards of same) Mike, there is no question >that at least part of it--the tower area--should have been saved (and, of >course, WE would have loved for all of it to have been saved) but in a state >that did not save one mile of narrow gauge RR, one steam locomotive, very, very >few architecturally or historically significant stations, ANY of the great fleet >of Maine Central passenger boats, ANY of it's street or electric railway >heritage [only through the auspices of the great Seashore Trolley Museum did >THAT happen] it is simply unrealistic to think or believe the minds of the time >had one iota of interest in preservation. I am NOT disagreeing with you that we >would have LIKED for it to have been saved, I am simply noting and calling to >your attention that, given the tenor of the times, that could not have--and did >not--occur(red), whereas today a building such as that would not have been torn >down (at least in it's entirety) without a major preservation fight. > >Again, do not misunderstand: I AGREE with you, but what has happened has >happened and no amount of present day anguish will change that. One other >note: after the station was torn down, Bill Phillips, who was then in freight >traffic with the MeC, told me in 1967 that "we don't know what we are going to >with the property, but the taxes on the big, empty building were killing us" so >I don't want you to think that (possibly before you were born or close thereto) >I was not questioning "it" every time something terrible like that happened, >but, again, I do have to question whether or not the ENTIRE (not the tower area) >station would have been deemed an architectural landmark. What might occur >today (if the station had somehow lasted) is that, like the May D&F tower on >17th Street Mall in Denver, or the Sears Tower here in the vile wild of nawth >Cuber, the architecturally significant part (the tower area) might be saved, but >the rest removed. > >Finally, do keep in mind that after the station was torn down, there was, for >many years, "nothing" there, just a huge vacant area. The railroad wanted to >sell it (the property) but for quite some time there were no buyers (Portland >was not exactly a boom town in those days!) and it was to be some years before >the people who built the shopping mall would come along and make an acceptable >offer to the railroad. (In said mall, is there any small area of photographs or >other tribute to the historical site? I wouldn't be surprised if not, as "mall >people" are not known for any particular historic interest, but, as with our now >disgusting Aventure Mall here, the Sofer family took a wonderful, upscale mall >(albeit with the worst food court for a high grade mall in America) and >absolutely ruined it by putting in a 24 theater complex. There is simply no end >to their stupidity brought about by their unending greed--and keep in mind this >from a capitalist and (fiscal) conservative.) > > ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3BD19429.CAEC448A_@_bellsouth.net> References: Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2001 11:11:37 -0400 From: Seth Bramson Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Portland, ME Blue Moon Network Administrator wrote: > On Sat, 20 Oct 2001, Michael Bosak wrote: > > > > Portland's Union Station WAS an architectural gem and should have been > > saved. Now it is a parking lot and abysmal shopping center (unless that to > > has been removed and/or abandoned). > > My younger brother gave me Kevin J. Holland's new book, Classic American > Railroad Terminals, which had a short piece on Portland Union Station. It > _was_ a grand old building. I had never seen a full view of that station > before reading this book. >>Should you ever get down to visit, I have numerous views of same, as there were myriad postcards made, but I also have a good few taken on the track side (photos). > It was demolished on the very day I was born. >>See what you did! ( : > )) > I truly hope that strip mall had been likewise destroyed. >>That is strange, as the owners of the strip mall spoke quite highly about you...........................( : ^ )) > > ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #184 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004701c15aa7$ba47f200$457ef2d0_@_default> Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2001 23:14:34 -0400 From: "Alexander D. Mitchell IV" Subject: (rshsdepot) AZ Republic story on Maricopa/Phoenix http://www.arizonarepublic.com/special28/articles/1017Amtrak17.html Amtrak travelers: Forget Phoenix=20 Trains to skip Valley for Maricopa=20 By Mary Jo Pitzl The Arizona Republic Oct. 17, 2001 12:00:00 By the end of the month, "You can't get there from here" will have even = more meaning for train travel to and from Phoenix.=20 Beginning Oct. 29, the closest place for Valley residents to connect = with an Amtrak passenger train will be the tiny town of Maricopa, 35 = miles south of downtown Phoenix.=20 Amtrak advises train travelers to and from Phoenix to take a cab to = Maricopa, or drive to the central Arizona city, park at the Harrah's = Ak-Chin Casino and find a ride to the train station, two miles away.=20 Amtrak officials say they're trying to work out a shuttle-bus service, = but nothing is set.=20 The situation has rail advocates fuming even as they celebrate a new = train station in Maricopa. On Tuesday, more than 200 people gathered in = Maricopa for the dedication of a restored 1948 rail car as the town's = new depot.=20 Amtrak trains will stop in Maricopa beginning Oct. 29. At the same time, = Amtrak will shutter its operation at Union Station in downtown Phoenix = and drop the last vestige of rail service to the fast-growing city.=20 "Would Amtrak close New York's Pennsylvania Station and require New = Yorkers to drive to a 'new' stop in a New Jersey field?" asked William = Lindley, president of the Arizona Rail Passenger Association. "This is = how they are treating America's sixth-largest city."=20 Although Valley residents might be able to get a friend to give them a = lift to the station, tourists will literally be stranded in the desert, = Lindley said.=20 Dave Morgan, Amtrak's service manager, said the company is working with = Harrah's to provide shuttle service from the casino. In the long run, = Amtrak wants to operate its own shuttle service to Maricopa from = multiple stops in the metro area.=20 Amtrak has used buses to carry train passengers from Phoenix to the rail = station in Tucson since the company stopped running trains through = Phoenix in 1996. That service will stop Oct. 28. [note: The car in question is a stainless steel 1948 Burlington dome = observation, Silver Horizon.] Alexander D. Mitchell IV ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #185 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00a901c15b19$6f4e5880$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 12:48:53 -0400 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Niles, CA Historic Niles depot celebrates 100th anniversary with big party By Conan Knoll STAFF WRITER The Oakland Tribune 10/20/01 FREMONT -- Train buffs will celebrate the Niles depot's 100th year today with more than a ceremony and entertainment. They will be beginning a drive to raise more than $1 million to move the historic building to its original home. "The depot is turning 100 years old and we are using this occasion as the kick-off of a fund-raising drive to bring the depot back to the downtown and renovate it. We estimate it will take $1.5 million," said Matt Edwards, a member of the Niles Depot Historical Foundation and the Niles Merchants Association. The city recently adopted a plan to revitalize Niles, which includes looking at moving the depot from its home on Mission Boulevard to its original location on Niles Boulevard across from H and J streets. The centennial celebration is being held in conjunction with the Niles Harvest Festival. The event is free, but proceeds from a raffle to win a model train layout, T-shirt sales and any donations will go toward moving the depot. Trains have long rumbled through Niles, shaping the area's history and identity along the way. The area was first called Vallejo Mills, but became known as Niles when Southern Pacific Railroad named its depot after Judge Addison C. Niles, a railroad official. The depot is the second to serve Niles. The original, built in 1870, included a restaurant and saloon. In 1900, Southern Pacific closed all its railroad saloons. Without the bar, the restaurant soon closed its doors. The building was sold and a portion of it was moved a few blocks away and still serves as a private home. The depot was closed in 1974 and Southern Pacific planned to demolish the building in 1981. But it was rescued when the Tri-City Society of Model Engineers and the city reached an agreement with the railroad company to move the depot from railroad property to Mission Boulevard. The city owns the depot and leases it to the Niles Depot Historical Foundation and the Model Engineer's Society, which operate it as a museum and a place for rail enthusiasts to meet, to hold events and to house model railroad layouts. "Niles is first and foremost, and always has been, a railroad town and we are trying to restore that sense of history," Edwards said. The centennial celebration and the Niles Harvest Festival will feature blues music, a swap meet, carnival games, a scarecrow contest, a pumpkin patch, caboose tours and food. Proceeds from the carnival games will go to Niles School and Vallejo Mills school, who are raising money for the Afghan Children's Relief Fund, Edwards said. Greg Schindel, the "Train Singer" who performs regularly on the Skunk Train, will sing traditional and original train songs. The River blues band also will perform. ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #186 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <001301c15bac$3938a280$3263fea9_@_pavilion> Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001 10:19:38 -0000 From: "Ron Brown" Subject: (rshsdepot) Fw: New Press Release from VIA Rail Canada - ----- Original Message ----- From: "VIARAIL" Sent: Monday, October 22, 2001 7:22 PM Subject: New Press Release from VIA Rail Canada > Transport Minister opens new VIA station in London > LONDON - The Honourable David M. Collenette, Minister of Transport, today declared VIA Rail Canada's new London station officially open. He was joined by local Members of Parliament for London, Mr. Joe Fontana, Mr. Pat O'Brien, Mrs. Sue Barnes and Mr. Gar Knutson along with VIA Rail Chairman Mr. Jean Pelletier and London's Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco. At today's ribbon-cutting the Minister said, "You are witnesses today to the beginning of the renaissance in passenger rail in Canada. And Southwestern Ontario is a critical component of this revitalization." > > "Rail service plays an important role in Canada," added Mr. Collenette. "This government has committed to providing a national passenger rail system that is safe, efficient and growing to meet the changing travel needs of Canadians. London's new train station is a key part of that commitment." > > London is Canada's fourth busiest station and handled more than 357,000 passengers in 2000. > > In April 2000, the Government announced a five-year $402 million capital investment in the revitalization of Canada's passenger rail network. VIA's capital investment program includes purchasing new equipment, repairing and upgrading existing equipment, improving the rail infrastructure, and modernizing and upgrading passenger stations and facilities. > > "London is at the heart of VIA's southwestern Ontario network," said Jean Pelletier, new Chairman of VIA Rail Canada. "VIA Rail Canada is proud to be able to contribute to the revitalization of London's downtown with a modern, yet classically-designed station that will better meet the needs of travellers today and for many years to come." > > VIA Rail Canada is investing over $20 million in its Southwestern Ontario operations, part of which includes the newly constructed VIA Rail station in London. New equipment and improved infrastructure will allow 70 trains per week to arrive and depart London's VIA station by 2005, an increase of 14 trains over the current frequency of service. > > In celebrating the opening, Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco stated, "These are exciting times for London and the new VIA Rail station will certainly position us for enhanced transportation services to support our growing economic development. This fine facility literally links London's downtown to North America and is one of several significant projects, which demonstrate a confidence and reinvestment in our community. Today's official opening confirms the good news that cooperative partnerships mean success for all concerned." > > - 30 - > > Speaking Notes for transport minister David CollenetteThe Renaissance of Passenger Rail: Southwestern OntarioThe Renaissance of Passenger Rail: VIA's Investment Strategy > > VIA Rail Canada Contact: > Catherine Kaloutsky > Tel : 416-956-7863 > E-mail: catherine_kaloutsky_@_viarail.ca > > > > If you wish to be removed from this list, please follow this URL: > http://www.viarail.ca/en.fram.info.comm.desa.html > and follow the instructions on that page. > > ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <018b01c15be9$34be9f60$7e01a8c0_@_0018982498> Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001 10:36:09 -0700 From: "Eric Miller" Subject: (rshsdepot) transbay terminal "Brown also announced plans to fast-track several projects he has proposed in the past, including creating a modern transit hub to replace the rundown Transbay bus terminal downtown. " Cup is still half-full, S.F. mayor says Despite downturn, an upbeat address Ilene Lelchuk, Chronicle Staff Writer Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ---- San Francisco -- A somber but optimistic San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown attempted to ease public fears about terrorist threats, anthrax and the struggling economy yesterday in his sixth and perhaps most challenging annual State of the City address. Brown, speaking before the Board of Supervisors at City Hall, started with a moment of silence for the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, then praised local firefighters, police and other city workers who have responded in recent weeks to scores of bomb threats and anthrax scares. "This city is safe," stressed the mayor, who wore an American flag pin in the lapel of his pinstripe suit. "There is no reason for anybody to panic. The only thing that is contagious about what is going on now is panic." Brown was a target of an anthrax hoax last week when a staff member opened an envelope addressed to him that contained white powder. Still, he told residents to think before they call 911 about powdery substances. "When you walk on the streets and you see white dust by a construction site, be alert but think for a moment," he said. "Don't become so panic stricken that at every opportunity you make a call, because you are taxing the resources." During past state of the city addresses, Brown has enjoyed breaking good news about a booming economy. But this time the mayor, who identified in the audience three hotel workers who have been laid off or are working reduced hours, placed heavy emphasis on optimism during uncertain times. City officials are projecting a $100 million shortage in the city's budget, the largest budget ever. The shortfall is a result partly of the slumping dot- com economy and partly because tourism has gone soft in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. Hotel and restaurant business is down. But Brown said there will be no layoffs at City Hall and he has plans to bring in new revenue. With so many people giving up airline travel since the attacks, Brown announced a campaign to draw regional visitors to the city. From Nov. 11 through 17, San Francisco shops, restaurants and hotels will offer discounts and specials to draw tourists from California. Although business has slowly improved since Sept. 11, restaurants and hotels welcomed the mayor's campaign. Patricia Breslin, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, said preliminary results of a local restaurant survey show those with fewer than 50 employees have cut their staffs by an average of 4 percent since last September. Larger restaurants have cut their staffs by 13 percent. Restaurants in the Financial District and tourist areas are suffering the most. "People are staying closer to home," Breslin said. Dining room attendant Kevin White, who was laid off from the Holiday Inn at Fisherman's Wharf, listened closely to the mayor's plans to boost tourism. "All you can do is hope," said White, who is supporting a wife and five children. Brown pledged to help local labor unions raise $500,000 to pay for continued health insurance for out-of-work service industry employees such as White. He also announced that he will be traveling on a trade mission to China in a few days. The mayor tried to allay concerns about growing vacancies in office space by announcing that the biotechnology firm Signature BioScience of Hayward is moving its 150 employees into San Francisco's South of Market area. "We can make that space readily available, (market it) aggressively, to this new world of biotechnology," he said. San Francisco is trying to build a reputation as a biotech center, with the University of California building a second campus for research in the Mission Bay development near the waterfront. Supervisor Mark Leno called Brown's speech "a classically optimistic outlook" that reflects the need for stability. "He reassured the city, and told us that the city will be refocused and re- energized," said Leno, who chairs the board's Finance Committee. Leno said that message is important right now, "to bring the kind of energy that will assure our city will not fall." Brown also announced plans to fast-track several projects he has proposed in the past, including creating a modern transit hub to replace the rundown Transbay bus terminal downtown. The mayor said he is lobbying the state to give the land free to San Francisco in exchange for some of the future revenues the facility might generate. He also wants to quicken the pace of building affordable housing and the projects on Treasure Island and at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. The mayor did not address the Chamber of Commerce's call last week for the city to move faster on other projects that have been in the pipeline for years and could bring more than $2 billion to the economy. But Roberta Achtenberg of the chamber said yesterday that she believes that Brown agrees with the group and will soon announce a task force that would provide monthly progress reports on projects such as the promised 49ers stadium and mall, a cruise ship terminal and a new de Young Museum. Board of Supervisors President Tom Ammiano said he was pleased that Brown offered the board "an olive branch" by saying he would listen to the supervisors' ideas on how to improve San Francisco's economy and alter the city's hard-hit budget. Supervisor Chris Daly, one of the mayor's most persistent critics, was less than impressed and expressed concern about the focus on biotechnology to save the city from economic doldrums. "It seems all he's doing is switching bio tech for high tech," Daly said. "It has its place, but we really have to be looking at a more diversified economy . . . that includes micro-enterprises and small businesses." - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ---- STATE OF THE CITY San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown focused his sixth annual state of the city address on economic and public safety fallout since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He announced: - - San Francisco is in "as good of shape as you can possibly get" to handle the threat of more terrorism and anthrax scares. - - To boost tourism, shops, restaurants and hotels will offer discounts and specials between Nov. 11-17. - - A 150-employee biotechnology company, Signature BioScience of Hayward, is moving into vacant office space South of Market Street. - - To speed up new housing, the city Redevelopment Agency will take over developing plans for affordable housing. Nonprofit housing developers currently do that job. - - He is lobbying Gov. Davis for the state to turn over the Transbay terminal property for free so Brown can turn it into a modern transportation hub. - - There will be no layoffs at City Hall. Brown is looking to pull funds from a few projects, such as the War Memorial building restoration, to backfill the general fund. Chronicle staff writer Rachel Gordon contributed to this report. / E-mail Ilene Lelchuk at ilelchuk_@_sfchronicle.com. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <008201c15c01$c5c613e0$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001 16:32:01 -0400 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Canaan, CT - Update Canaan railroad fire still unsolved JASON TOMASZEWSKI, Register Citizen Staff October 23, 2001 CANAAN - No one is saying a word. Acting under agency protocol regarding cases still under investigation, representatives from the State Fire Marshal's Office are refusing to confirm or deny that arson was the cause of a massive fire that ripped through historic Union Station almost two weeks ago. "We cannot comment on any case that is still under investigation," a Fire Marshal dispatcher said Monday. "I'm sorry but I can't tell you anything right now." It was in the wee hours of Oct. 13 that a call went out to several local fire departments that the station, a long-time symbol of pride in Canaan, was ablaze. Three hours later firefighters had finally gotten the fire under control although the smoking and smoldering continued for most of the day. "Our primary attack was to stop the fire at the 'L' of the building to save part of the building," Canaan Fire Chief Charlie Perotti said. Between 75 and 100 firefighters from Falls Village, Lakeville, Norfolk, Sharon and Great Barrington, Mass. assisted Perotti and his men battle the fire. Although the building was empty at the time of the blaze, and no firefighters were injured extinguishing the fire, emergency medical personnel from Canaan, Falls Village, Sharon, Salisbury, Colebrook and Great Barrington were on hand in case their services were required. While the Fire Marshal's Office has sealed its collective lips, State Police Troop B in Canaan, has confirmed the Western District Majors Crimes Squad is also conducting an investigation into the source of the fire "The Western District Major Crimes Squad is investigating this case in conjunction with the state and local fire marshals," trooper Roger Beaupre of the state police public information office said. "The cause of the fire is still undetermined and I don't have the authority to say if it is arson or not because that is part of the ongoing investigation. I can say that the major crimes squad is investigating this as a criminal investigation." The Housatonic Railroad and Connecticut Western Railroad built the landmark train depot in 1879 and used it for both freight and passenger trains well into the 20th century and is the source of the annual Railroad Days celebration. Most recently the depot was home to several local businesses including Keity's gift shop and Ramunni, Bushla and Sinnamon CPAs. "It is the true heart of Canaan," Marcia Ramunni, wife of owner Paul Ramunni said. "A piece if history was just ripped from us." ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <000c01c15c38$5b980d20$2568153f_@_paul> Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001 23:02:43 -0400 From: "Paul S. Luchter" Subject: (rshsdepot) Mountain View, California - -----Original Message----- From: Michael Rodenburger To: Paul S. Luchter Date: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 9:48 PM Subject: Re: Fw: (rshsdepot) Niles Train Depot, Fremont, CA >The City of Mountain View is going to build a new transit center building at >the Caltain station on Castro Street. This will be a replica of the original >1888 SPRR station built there. > >"Paul S. Luchter" wrote: > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Jim Dent >> To: RSHS List >> Date: Friday, October 19, 2001 1:05 PM >> Subject: (rshsdepot) Niles Train Depot, Fremont, CA >> >> >From the Altamont Press Newsline... >> > >> >Niles Depot 100th birthday this Saturday >> > >> >The historic Niles Train Depot, located at 36997 Mission Boulevard (at >> >Sullivan Underpass) in Fremont, CA, will be celebrating its 100th birthday >> >this year. A centennial celebration commemorating the event will be held >> >Saturday Oct20, from 10:00 to 16:00. Doors will open at 10:00 for a >> >self-guided tour (docents available) with the ceremony set for 11:00. >> >Entertainment to follow at 11:30 and through the afternoon. There will be >> >several booths near the station to delight visitors with train memorabilia >> >and information. There will be a raffle at 14:30 for two HO model train >> >layouts donated by the Tri-City Society of Model Engineers. >> > >> >The Niles Depot Historical Association and the Niles Merchants Association >> >are cosponsoring this new event. The Depot celebration is being held in >> >conjunction with the Niles Harvest Festival in downtown Niles sponsored by >> >the Niles Merchants Association. -Tom Nelson >> > >> > >> > >> > > ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #187 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <006801c15cf9$7e7455d0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2001 22:05:18 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Hugo, OK Hugo to celebrate 100 years By Laura Jett Krantz The Paris News Published October 21, 2001 HUGO, Okla. =97 One hundred years ago, the town of Hugo sprang out of the intersection of two great railroads. Not long after the Civil War ended, southeast Oklahoma remained mostly uninhabited Indian Territory. Logging trains rumbled through the area and stopped at a tiny wooden depot in Good, Indian Territory, on the north en= d of present day Hugo. Locomotives of the Arkansas & Choctaw Railroad that = ran =66rom Arkinda, Ark. into Oklahoma took on water here and continued south= on a spur through Tailholt, known today as Grant, Okla. The Frisco Railroad building south from Fort Smith, Ark. would cross southeast Oklahoma on it= s way into Paris by 1887. It was learned that this second line would cross = the Grant spur and create a center for commerce. Constant rail traffic and westward expansion fueled a settlement here. Historians say the town sprang up almost overnight as tents covered the landscape. It was in September 1901 that the first lot was sold in this growing town. Surveying of the townsite began in October 1901. To acquire= a post office of its own, the town was later named for famous French noveli= st, Victor Hugo. Mail delivery began in November of that year. The tent city gave way to log cabins and later, brick buildings began to line dirt lanes. The old Arkansas & Choctaw wooden station was moved from the Good community to Hugo=92s Main Street where the Frisco Railroad deve= loped a rail yard and shops. In 1903, Hugo was incorporated as a city and J.W. Greer was later elected the first mayor. Oklahoma would become a state in 1907. Like many boomtowns, Hugo would suffer ups and downs. Reports indicate smallpox killed 120 in the winter of 1912 and left the city almost desert= ed as residents hid from the virulent disease. Hugo later recovered to face financial problems when all three of its banks failed in 1925 due to bad farm loans. New banks came and the town again rebuilt. A railroad engineer for 38 years, resident Howard Harrison recalled some = of the railroad lore that built the town. =93The railroad used to be the biggest payroll in the whole county,=94 he= said. =93Trains came through here all the time.=94 Harrison, who started working for the railroad in 1937, said the heyday o= f rail in Hugo was during 1910. By that time, passenger service had outgrow= n the station on Main Street, and a new train depot was built by the Frisco Railroad three blocks north of the train yards. In 1914, that depot was destroyed by fire. The railroad quickly rebuilt the facility, and Frisco made Hugo a division headquarters. The new design incorporated two waitin= g rooms and a Harvey House Lunch Room and Fred Harvey News Stand on the fir= st floor. =93Hugo had lots of industry. We had cotton gins and presses,=94 Harrison= said. =93Hugo had 16 cafes in town by 1930.=94 Eventually, passenger service slowed and Hugo=92s freight house lasted un= til 1952 when a tornado collapsed the roof. The Frisco line was bought out by the Burlington Northern Railroad which sold the depot to a private individual. The depot was eventually abandoned and vandalized. In 1978, the Choctaw County Historical Society took over the depot. Volunteers spent thousands of hours lovingly restoring the building to it= s current state. The Depot also houses a museum that contains artifacts, pictures and newspaper clippings chronicling Hugo=92s rich history. The Depot will be open throughout the day Saturday during Hugo=92s Centen= nial Celebration. There visitors can listen to volunteers tell about the histo= ry of this town that also became known as Circus City, U.S.A. Maps, brochure= s and tours are also available at the Depot. For more information about the Centennial events, call (580) 326-7511. =A9 2000 The Paris News. All rights reserved. ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #188 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002201c15d46$2a90a160$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2001 07:14:07 -0400 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS City buys old depot for $215,000 By Fred Messina Staff writer -- The Vicksburg Post [10/24/01]Vicksburg now owns the Levee Street Depot, and officials applied Tuesday for state money to fix up the outside of the structure and to have it designated a Mississippi Landmark. The Mayor and Aldermen voted to pay $215,000 for the 95-year-old building to three physicians, Drs. Karl Hatten, Sam White and John Bower, who owned it as partners. Possible uses include a river-rail museum or a visitor center. "That's below the asking price," Mayor Laurence Leyens said in announcing the deal reached in negotiations. The three-story brick building is appraised at $304,290 for property taxes. After approving the purchase, Leyens and Aldermen Sid Beauman and Gertrude Young approved an application prepared by City Planner Ronnie Bounds to seek Landmark status. The exclusive listing is usually reserved for such historic sites as the Old Court House Museum. The depot building served the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad and the Illinois Central Railroad. Bounds said the deadline for nominations was Tuesday afternoon in preparation for a meeting of the permit committee of the state Department of Archives and History today. If the committee approves the nomination, the depot would be eligible for funding under the Mississippi Heritage Grant Program. The next resolution the board approved was the application for $175,000 from the $6 million set aside by the Mississippi Legislature for the grant program. Bounds said the state money would be matched by the expenditure of $65,100 in city funds. He said the grant rules specify the match must be at least 20 percent and the city's match will be 37 percent. The grant money will be used to clean the outside of the building, clean the brickwork and do other work to seal the exterior. No interior work is planned. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <000901c15de8$2cd7a390$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 02:33:50 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Clemson, SC CLEMSON -- First discussed formally in 1998, the Historic Clemson Depot renovation is nearing completion, and the time when it will serve as a top-notch facility for both tourists and locals is not far away. Besides serving as a comfortable waiting area for Amtrak travelers, it wi= ll also house the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce, and they are chomping at the bit for both the spaciousness and ease of use the new accommodations will offer. Wednesday, over 40 chamber ambassadors gathered in a blitz-type landscapi= ng effort on the grounds. Led by City of Clemson horticulturist John Hanna, = the volunteers, mostly from local businesses, sowed old-style southern plants that match the building's heritage, including camellias, nandina, magnoli= as, dogwoods and redwoods. "Using the southern heritage as a basis for our plantings was very import= ant to us," said Hanna. "In addition, choosing small inexpensive plants allow= ed us to buy between 2,500-3,000 plants on a limited budget." Inside, chamber director Eddie Nail acted as a tour guide, showing off th= e facility's sunny yellow walls and spacious interiors. "At the entrance will be a visitor welcome area," said Nail, showing off = a large oval reception desk. "This room will contain a large-scale map of Pickens County, as well as railroad memorabilia, a model train and brochu= res and information. One wall will also be set aside for business cards." Further back in the building, different rooms will be used for meeting areas, chamber workspace and the waiting room for train travelers, design= ed to seat eight comfortably. Two passenger trains go through Clemson each d= ay at 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Pointing out the large space that will used by the chamber and member businesses for meetings, Nail said, "I'm just really excited about this room, and what it will mean to us and the community." He also enjoyed showing off a room that will be used as a reference libra= ry for visitors, containing a wide variety of information on the area, its history and its attractions. Soon, the chamber will begin the process of moving in, but the grand opening, entitled "Christmas at the Depot," will take place on Nov. 26, a= t 5:30 p.m. "It will be a great event, and a great time for the public to see what ha= s been accomplished," said Nail. "What with appropriate decorations and the new facility, I think people will be really impressed." =A9The Daily Journal / Messenger 2001 ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <000f01c15de8$edd4d9f0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 02:39:14 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Hammond, LA Chamber 'breaks wall' on new digs By CRAIG MALISOW, Daily Star Staff Writer October 24, 2001 "All right, let's break a wall!" With those words, spoken by Hammond Chamber of Commerce President Jamene Dahmer Tuesday, officials green-lighted renovations that will turn the tr= ain depot building into the chamber's new office. Joined by state representatives Diane Winston and Mike Strain, both R-Covington, Dahmer and city officials took hammers to a wall in the depo= t's former ticket office. The punctured drywall was the symbolic first step in a $230,000 interior restoration that chamber representatives and local officials said will be= a boon to Hammond's economic development. The depot, which should be renovated in 120 days, will offer three times = as much space as the chamber's present location at 2 W. Thomas St., Dahmer said. The chamber has occupied that building since it formed in 1919, eight yea= rs after the depot was built. Besides offering more space, the chamber's new office will retain much of the historic depot's original charm, including the original control panel= s and switch box. Tuesday's wall-breaking was the culmination of years of effort, Chamber Chairperson Doug Johnson said. Although the chamber bought the building years ago with the hopes of movi= ng in, state funding did not come through until this year. Winston commended the chamber and local residents for hard work in pushin= g for funds. "They were very, very, very aggressive on your behalf in trying to get th= e job done," she said in a short speech. Although legislators ultimately approve funding, Winston credited the community for getting the job done. "Make no mistake: you all deserve the credit. It is clearly a partnership we, as legislators...are honored to b= e a part of." As the chamber's incoming chairperson, Mike Williams said he was excited = to conduct board meetings in an actual board room. "It's going to be a great starting place for promoting the city and the parish," he said. "I'm honored to have (this) opportunity." Daily Star Reporter Craig Malisow may be reached at 345-2333, ext. 218 or starcity_@_i-55.com. =A9The Daily Star 2001 ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002101c15dea$6eb34f60$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 02:50:00 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) St. Paul, Minnesota -From the St. Paul (Minnesota) Pioneer Press Bond sale weighed for Union Depot BY TONI COLEMAN Pioneer Press The Ramsey County Rail Authority is considering selling $50 million in bonds for the "restoration and reuse" of St. Paul's historic Union Depot as an eventual east metro hub where light rail, commuter rail and high-speed rail operations could come together. Commissioner Rafael Ortega proposed the idea Tuesday at a workshop in which commissioners mulled the county's priorities, role and financial commitment to several transit projects, including the Red Rock commuter rail line from Hastings and a Central Corridor light rail line between downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. The commissioners will vote Nov. 6 on the proposal and formalize the county's position on what projects state legislators should support next session when they authorize state bonds. Money put into the Union Depot can be viewed as the local matching money required to receive federal funding for the transit projects, Ortega said. The contribution "has to be big enough for people to see we're for real," Ortega said. "It makes us a player because we have the cash on hand." Clearly miffed about having little influence on how the Riverview Corridor busway is being developed, many commissioners agreed that for future projects, the county would have to back up its preferences with solid funding. The Metropolitan Council is developing the Riverview busway from the Mall of America through downtown St. Paul to Maplewood Mall without the support of Ramsey County, which disagrees with the West Seventh Street alignment that was chosen. Commissioner Janice Rettman, concerned about the tax impact on homeowners who will repay the bonds, also noted that it may cost $40 million to $50 million just to buy out the U.S. Postal Service, which owns the concourse between the depot and the Mississippi River-side railroad tracks. Rail passengers would have to use the concourse to get between the tracks and the Union Depot. Commissioners indicated the state should provide $10 million for a high-speed rail line from Chicago, $10 million for the preliminary engineering for Central Corridor light rail transit, $5 million for the Central/Red Rock commuter rail line and $8 million for the Rush Line corridor between St. Paul and Hinckley, Minn. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003e01c15d97$152b7920$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2001 16:53:20 -0400 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Clemson, SC Clemson Depot nears readiness By LANE FILLER Pickens County Reporter October 25, 2001 The Daily Journal/Messenger CLEMSON -- First discussed formally in 1998, the Historic Clemson Depot renovation is nearing completion, and the time when it will serve as a top-notch facility for both tourists and locals is not far away. Besides serving as a comfortable waiting area for Amtrak travelers, it will also house the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce, and they are chomping at the bit for both the spaciousness and ease of use the new accommodations will offer. Wednesday, over 40 chamber ambassadors gathered in a blitz-type landscaping effort on the grounds. Led by City of Clemson horticulturist John Hanna, the volunteers, mostly from local businesses, sowed old-style southern plants that match the building's heritage, including camellias, nandina, magnolias, dogwoods and redwoods. "Using the southern heritage as a basis for our plantings was very important to us," said Hanna. "In addition, choosing small inexpensive plants allowed us to buy between 2,500-3,000 plants on a limited budget." Inside, chamber director Eddie Nail acted as a tour guide, showing off the facility's sunny yellow walls and spacious interiors. "At the entrance will be a visitor welcome area," said Nail, showing off a large oval reception desk. "This room will contain a large-scale map of Pickens County, as well as railroad memorabilia, a model train and brochures and information. One wall will also be set aside for business cards." Further back in the building, different rooms will be used for meeting areas, chamber workspace and the waiting room for train travelers, designed to seat eight comfortably. Two passenger trains go through Clemson each day at 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Pointing out the large space that will used by the chamber and member businesses for meetings, Nail said, "I'm just really excited about this room, and what it will mean to us and the community." He also enjoyed showing off a room that will be used as a reference library for visitors, containing a wide variety of information on the area, its history and its attractions. Soon, the chamber will begin the process of moving in, but the grand opening, entitled "Christmas at the Depot," will take place on Nov. 26, at 5:30 p.m. "It will be a great event, and a great time for the public to see what has been accomplished," said Nail. "What with appropriate decorations and the new facility, I think people will be really impressed." ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2001 17:21:27 -0400 From: "James Kelling" Subject: (rshsdepot) Restored Norfolk & Western depot in Shepherdstown, WV This circa-1910 brick depot, nicely restored after years of work, is to be = dedicated this Saturday as a community center (details hard to come by). = Part of the building is already in commercial use. The depot sits on its = original site off German St. but is separated from the very active Norfolk = Southern track by a fence. A huge steel and concrete viaduct built by N&W = after 1914 spans the Potomac River just north of the station. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <8f.11eadca3.2909e201_@_aol.com> Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2001 17:45:37 EDT From: I95BERNIEW_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Restored Norfolk & Western depot in Shepherdstown, WV A photo of the station may be viewed at: http://members.trainorders.com/Nick/shepsta/ ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <156.2ff37bf.290a1156_@_aol.com> Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2001 21:07:34 EDT From: CoolGuy127_@_aol.com Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Clemson, SC In a message dated 10/25/2001 4:52:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time, brwagenblast_@_home.com writes: << Further back in the building, different rooms will be used for meeting areas, chamber workspace and the waiting room for train travelers, designed to seat eight comfortably. Two passenger trains go through Clemson each day at 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. >> Am I reading this right? The waiting room is designed "to seat eight comfortably." What if there are more than eight passengers on a particular day? I know that Clemson, SC doesn't compare with Penn Station in New York in terms of passenger volume, but a waiting room designed for eight people sounds much too small and entirely inadequate, even at a small station such as this. Daniel Chazin Teaneck, NJ ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3BD8E517.9406167_@_erols.com> Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 00:22:47 -0400 From: Jim Dent Subject: (rshsdepot) NK Tower, Newark, NJ -From Eastern Railroad News... NK TOWER REIGN COMING TO AN END IN NEW JERSEY... The former Lehigh Valley Railroad NK Tower, located on the Conrail Shared Asset Operation area Lehigh Line at milepost 11.4, is approaching its final day of operation and will sees ninety years of existence replaced by Mount Laurel, New Jersey dispatchers. At 21:20 EDT on Friday night, maintainers will cut over new target-style signals and adjust the newly-activated Townley Number 2 Track Gauntlet. The cutover is expected to last through Monday morning at 01:30 EDT. After morning New Jersey Transit traffic on Monday, the tower is scheduled to be deactivated and closed. New Jersey will terminate trains at Cranford through the cutover period and freight traffic will have to receive Form D authority for movements through the territory. Some believe that the tower may remain open for one week additionally, to insure the new system is without errors and problems. Conrail SAO maintains that the tower should be closed by Monday morning. -with information from Matt Ryan ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #189 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2001 14:53:12 -0400 From: "Kenyon F. Karl" Subject: (rshsdepot) The Rutland Herald Online - Fair Haven depot on track for an overhaul Fair Haven depot on track for an overhaul FAIR HAVEN — A plan to spruce up the local Amtrak stop is in the formative stages. Oct. 26, 2001 http://rutlandherald.nybor.com/News/RutlandCounty/Story/36359.html ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <001d01c15eb8$73e38ad0$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 03:24:45 -0400 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Tower 16 in Sherman, Texas closed NOTE: This message had contained at least one image attachment. To view or download the image(s), click on or cut and paste the following URL into your web browser and click/select the index or matching subject link. http://www.railfan.net/lists/mplist.cgi?rshsdepot-photo Tower16-400.jpg (17330 bytes) Photo by Charles Allen =46rom Trains.com News Wire... BNSF=92s Tower 16 reaches end of the line in north Texas Tower 16 in Sherman, Texas, which guarded the crossing of Burlington Northern Santa Fe=92s Tulsa, Okla.-Irving, Texas, main line and that of RailAmerica regional Texas Northeastern, closed on Tuesday. The tower=92s operating limits are now governed by Track Warrant Control.= BNSF removed the diamond, as well as CTC between North Sherman and South Sherm= an Jct. Texas Northeastern moves that utilized the diamond before Tuesday now mus= t use the BNSF main line to access wye tracks on the north side of the form= er interlocking. A new connecting switch was installed north of the tower. In December, BNSF will place ABS in service from Denison to the south switch of Sherman Yard, with spring switches planned for the north and so= uth yard switches. The BNSF main line is the Madill Subdivision, the former Southern Pacific H&TC route. The Texas Northeastern line is the former Texas & Pacific fro= m Texarkana to Whitesboro, Texas. ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #190 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <003001c15f01$5ec417c0$7bbefe3f_@_stationman> References: <002201c15d46$2a90a160$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 09:06:40 -0700 From: "Gene Paoli" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS Quite a while back I replied to a considerable amount of posts about this station (Vicksburg, MS). I have never received a reply to my question pertaining to which railroad built the station in question. I now know which station it is via a photo in one of the latest posts. When I replied the first time, I gave the railroad (client), the architect and firm, and the build date. I find it unbelievable that anyone seems to care. I study railroad architects and I also cannot believe that no one has replied to my replies expousing the architects and build dates of several other stations over the past years. Doesn't anyone care who created these structures? If one admires a painting, do they not also admire it painter? If the information I have sweated over for ten years now, that fills a database of over 1,000 architects and firms and the thousands of railroad structures they designed is of any interest, PLEASE let me know, if it is not, I quess it will go to my grave with me and not get published. Gene Paoli stationman_@_prodigy.net - ----- Original Message ----- From: Bernie Wagenblast To: RSHS Depot Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 4:14 AM Subject: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS > City buys old depot for $215,000 > > By Fred Messina > Staff writer -- The Vicksburg Post > > [10/24/01]Vicksburg now owns the Levee Street Depot, and officials applied > Tuesday for state money to fix up the outside of the structure and to have > it designated a Mississippi Landmark. > > The Mayor and Aldermen voted to pay $215,000 for the 95-year-old building to > three physicians, Drs. Karl Hatten, Sam White and John Bower, who owned it > as partners. > > Possible uses include a river-rail museum or a visitor center. > > "That's below the asking price," Mayor Laurence Leyens said in announcing > the deal reached in negotiations. The three-story brick building is > appraised at $304,290 for property taxes. > > After approving the purchase, Leyens and Aldermen Sid Beauman and Gertrude > Young approved an application prepared by City Planner Ronnie Bounds to seek > Landmark status. The exclusive listing is usually reserved for such historic > sites as the Old Court House Museum. > > The depot building served the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad and the > Illinois Central Railroad. > > Bounds said the deadline for nominations was Tuesday afternoon in > preparation for a meeting of the permit committee of the state Department of > Archives and History today. If the committee approves the nomination, the > depot would be eligible for funding under the Mississippi Heritage Grant > Program. > > The next resolution the board approved was the application for $175,000 from > the $6 million set aside by the Mississippi Legislature for the grant > program. > > Bounds said the state money would be matched by the expenditure of $65,100 > in city funds. He said the grant rules specify the match must be at least 20 > percent and the city's match will be 37 percent. > > The grant money will be used to clean the outside of the building, clean the > brickwork and do other work to seal the exterior. No interior work is > planned. > ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002901c15eed$6c341fe0$0346fd3f_@_0019873538> References: <002201c15d46$2a90a160$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> <003001c15f01$5ec417c0$7bbefe3f@stationman> Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 09:42:50 -0400 From: "Ulster & Delaware RR HS - President" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS Gene, are you complaining that no one has accepted an offer to provide information on designers/architects of RR stations and other structures around the country? Believe me, if I'd seen any such offer before, I would have responded: We would be absolutely thrilled and delighted to have any such information whatsoever about architects, designers, planners, and/or builders of any and all structures along the Ulster & Delaware (originally Rondout & Oswego, 1868-72; then NY Kingston & Syracuse, 1872-75; latterly Catskill Mountain Branch of New York Central and Penn Central, 1932-76), Delaware & Eastern, Delaware & Northern, Catskill Mountain & Stony Clove, Kaaterskill, Canajoharie & Catskill, Catskill Mountain, Catskill & Tannersville, Otis Elevating, Wallkill Valley, Delhi & Middletown, Hobart Branch, Delaware & Otsego (original of 1895, not Walter Rich's), Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley, Rhinebeck & Connecticut, Rondout & Kingston, Kingston & Rondout, Colonial City (Kingston) Traction, and associated structures of Cornell Steamboat Co., Delaware & Hudson Canal Co., mostly within Ulster, Delaware, Green, Otsego, and Hudson Counties, NY; and any associated structures -- creameries, ice houses, coal trestles/pockets/silos, piers, loading docks, hotels, rooming houses, feed businesses, liveries, and any other facilities of industries associated with the railroads. If you have any information at all, we'd be grateful to receive it; if you have any appreciable amount, we'd probably want to turn it into the basis of an article in our Rip Van Winkle Flyer (work by us, credit to you, of course!), and/or a show at our Roxbury Depot when it's been restored. Thank you for anything you might have. Steve Delibert - ----- Original Message ----- From: Gene Paoli To: Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2001 12:06 PM Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS > Quite a while back I replied to a considerable amount of posts about this > station (Vicksburg, MS). I have never received a reply to my question > pertaining to which railroad built the station in question. I now know which > station it is via a photo in one of the latest posts. When I replied the > first time, I gave the railroad (client), the architect and firm, and the > build date. I find it unbelievable that anyone seems to care. I study > railroad architects and I also cannot believe that no one has replied to my > replies expousing the architects and build dates of several other stations > over the past years. Doesn't anyone care who created these structures? If > one admires a painting, do they not also admire it painter? If the > information I have sweated over for ten years now, that fills a database of > over 1,000 architects and firms and the thousands of railroad structures > they designed is of any interest, PLEASE let me know, if it is not, I quess > it will go to my grave with me and not get published. > Gene Paoli > stationman_@_prodigy.net > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Bernie Wagenblast > To: RSHS Depot > Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 4:14 AM > Subject: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS > > > > City buys old depot for $215,000 > > > > By Fred Messina > > Staff writer -- The Vicksburg Post > > > > [10/24/01]Vicksburg now owns the Levee Street Depot, and officials applied > > Tuesday for state money to fix up the outside of the structure and to have > > it designated a Mississippi Landmark. > > > > The Mayor and Aldermen voted to pay $215,000 for the 95-year-old building > to > > three physicians, Drs. Karl Hatten, Sam White and John Bower, who owned it > > as partners. > > > > Possible uses include a river-rail museum or a visitor center. > > > > "That's below the asking price," Mayor Laurence Leyens said in announcing > > the deal reached in negotiations. The three-story brick building is > > appraised at $304,290 for property taxes. > > > > After approving the purchase, Leyens and Aldermen Sid Beauman and Gertrude > > Young approved an application prepared by City Planner Ronnie Bounds to > seek > > Landmark status. The exclusive listing is usually reserved for such > historic > > sites as the Old Court House Museum. > > > > The depot building served the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad and > the > > Illinois Central Railroad. > > > > Bounds said the deadline for nominations was Tuesday afternoon in > > preparation for a meeting of the permit committee of the state Department > of > > Archives and History today. If the committee approves the nomination, the > > depot would be eligible for funding under the Mississippi Heritage Grant > > Program. > > > > The next resolution the board approved was the application for $175,000 > from > > the $6 million set aside by the Mississippi Legislature for the grant > > program. > > > > Bounds said the state money would be matched by the expenditure of $65,100 > > in city funds. He said the grant rules specify the match must be at least > 20 > > percent and the city's match will be 37 percent. > > > > The grant money will be used to clean the outside of the building, clean > the > > brickwork and do other work to seal the exterior. No interior work is > > planned. > > > ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <001701c15eef$a2c1f760$2eaa6620_@_metcalf> Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 07:59:42 -0600 From: "Norm Metcalf" Subject: (rshsdepot) Architects Gene Paoli wonders if there's any interest in the architects who designed the depots. From this corner comes "Yes!". Norm Metcalf, Boulder CO ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <004f01c15ef0$472edca0$2615fe3f_@_default> Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 10:04:21 -0400 From: "Bernard Rudberg" Subject: (rshsdepot) Station Architects We would love to know who designed the station we are trying to restore. Tell us more. Bernie Rudberg Wappingers Falls NY USA ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <000b01c15ef6$721c2f20$cfac1b18_@_cinci.rr.com> References: <002201c15d46$2a90a160$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> <003001c15f01$5ec417c0$7bbefe3f@stationman> Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 10:48:30 -0400 From: "Cliff Scholes" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS Gene: Yes, I care. Am interested primarily in those stations in my territory (midwest and upper midwest). Keep up the good work. Cliff Scholes, Cincinnati, OH - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Gene Paoli" To: Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2001 12:06 PM Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS > Quite a while back I replied to a considerable amount of posts about this > station (Vicksburg, MS). I have never received a reply to my question > pertaining to which railroad built the station in question. I now know which > station it is via a photo in one of the latest posts. When I replied the > first time, I gave the railroad (client), the architect and firm, and the > build date. I find it unbelievable that anyone seems to care. I study > railroad architects and I also cannot believe that no one has replied to my > replies expousing the architects and build dates of several other stations > over the past years. Doesn't anyone care who created these structures? If > one admires a painting, do they not also admire it painter? If the > information I have sweated over for ten years now, that fills a database of > over 1,000 architects and firms and the thousands of railroad structures > they designed is of any interest, PLEASE let me know, if it is not, I quess > it will go to my grave with me and not get published. > Gene Paoli > stationman_@_prodigy.net > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Bernie Wagenblast > To: RSHS Depot > Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 4:14 AM > Subject: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS > > > > City buys old depot for $215,000 > > > > By Fred Messina > > Staff writer -- The Vicksburg Post > > > > [10/24/01]Vicksburg now owns the Levee Street Depot, and officials applied > > Tuesday for state money to fix up the outside of the structure and to have > > it designated a Mississippi Landmark. > > > > The Mayor and Aldermen voted to pay $215,000 for the 95-year-old building > to > > three physicians, Drs. Karl Hatten, Sam White and John Bower, who owned it > > as partners. > > > > Possible uses include a river-rail museum or a visitor center. > > > > "That's below the asking price," Mayor Laurence Leyens said in announcing > > the deal reached in negotiations. The three-story brick building is > > appraised at $304,290 for property taxes. > > > > After approving the purchase, Leyens and Aldermen Sid Beauman and Gertrude > > Young approved an application prepared by City Planner Ronnie Bounds to > seek > > Landmark status. The exclusive listing is usually reserved for such > historic > > sites as the Old Court House Museum. > > > > The depot building served the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad and > the > > Illinois Central Railroad. > > > > Bounds said the deadline for nominations was Tuesday afternoon in > > preparation for a meeting of the permit committee of the state Department > of > > Archives and History today. If the committee approves the nomination, the > > depot would be eligible for funding under the Mississippi Heritage Grant > > Program. > > > > The next resolution the board approved was the application for $175,000 > from > > the $6 million set aside by the Mississippi Legislature for the grant > > program. > > > > Bounds said the state money would be matched by the expenditure of $65,100 > > in city funds. He said the grant rules specify the match must be at least > 20 > > percent and the city's match will be 37 percent. > > > > The grant money will be used to clean the outside of the building, clean > the > > brickwork and do other work to seal the exterior. No interior work is > > planned. > > > > ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #191 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 10:51:01 From: "Michael Bosak" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Architects As an architect who has a fascination with stations and depots, ABSOLUTELY! >From: "Norm Metcalf" >Reply-To: rshsdepot_@_lists.railfan.net >To: "rshsdepots" >Subject: (rshsdepot) Architects >Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 07:59:42 -0600 > >Gene Paoli wonders if there's any interest in the architects who designed >the depots. From this corner comes "Yes!". > >Norm Metcalf, Boulder CO > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 10:59:12 From: "Michael Bosak" Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS Gene - I, for one, am very interested in your database. It is often the last and most difficult piece of information to get WHO designed a station, especially in the case of the smaller, more obscure depots. But, in my estimation as an architect, the designer is at least as important as the railroad(s) that commissioned them, if not moreso! Are you considering publishing? Oftentimes, there are so many messages posted on this board that it is difficult to keep up with them all, especially if one still 'punches a timeclock.' Keep up the good work, and keep us posted! Mike Bosak >From: "Gene Paoli" >Reply-To: rshsdepot_@_lists.railfan.net >To: >Subject: Re: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS >Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 09:06:40 -0700 > >Quite a while back I replied to a considerable amount of posts about this >station (Vicksburg, MS). I have never received a reply to my question >pertaining to which railroad built the station in question. I now know >which >station it is via a photo in one of the latest posts. When I replied the >first time, I gave the railroad (client), the architect and firm, and the >build date. I find it unbelievable that anyone seems to care. I study >railroad architects and I also cannot believe that no one has replied to my >replies expousing the architects and build dates of several other stations >over the past years. Doesn't anyone care who created these structures? If >one admires a painting, do they not also admire it painter? If the >information I have sweated over for ten years now, that fills a database of >over 1,000 architects and firms and the thousands of railroad structures >they designed is of any interest, PLEASE let me know, if it is not, I quess >it will go to my grave with me and not get published. >Gene Paoli >stationman_@_prodigy.net > >----- Original Message ----- >From: Bernie Wagenblast >To: RSHS Depot >Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 4:14 AM >Subject: (rshsdepot) Vicksburg, MS > > > > City buys old depot for $215,000 > > > > By Fred Messina > > Staff writer -- The Vicksburg Post > > > > [10/24/01]Vicksburg now owns the Levee Street Depot, and officials >applied > > Tuesday for state money to fix up the outside of the structure and to >have > > it designated a Mississippi Landmark. > > > > The Mayor and Aldermen voted to pay $215,000 for the 95-year-old >building >to > > three physicians, Drs. Karl Hatten, Sam White and John Bower, who owned >it > > as partners. > > > > Possible uses include a river-rail museum or a visitor center. > > > > "That's below the asking price," Mayor Laurence Leyens said in >announcing > > the deal reached in negotiations. The three-story brick building is > > appraised at $304,290 for property taxes. > > > > After approving the purchase, Leyens and Aldermen Sid Beauman and >Gertrude > > Young approved an application prepared by City Planner Ronnie Bounds to >seek > > Landmark status. The exclusive listing is usually reserved for such >historic > > sites as the Old Court House Museum. > > > > The depot building served the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad and >the > > Illinois Central Railroad. > > > > Bounds said the deadline for nominations was Tuesday afternoon in > > preparation for a meeting of the permit committee of the state >Department >of > > Archives and History today. If the committee approves the nomination, >the > > depot would be eligible for funding under the Mississippi Heritage Grant > > Program. > > > > The next resolution the board approved was the application for $175,000 >from > > the $6 million set aside by the Mississippi Legislature for the grant > > program. > > > > Bounds said the state money would be matched by the expenditure of >$65,100 > > in city funds. He said the grant rules specify the match must be at >least >20 > > percent and the city's match will be 37 percent. > > > > The grant money will be used to clean the outside of the building, clean >the > > brickwork and do other work to seal the exterior. No interior work is > > planned. > > > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <002701c1608e$35bd3760$5957fea9_@_pavilion> Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 15:27:24 -0000 From: "Ron Brown" Subject: (rshsdepot) Fw: New Press Release from VIA Rail Canada - ----- Original Message ----- From: "VIARAIL" Sent: Monday, October 29, 2001 4:23 PM Subject: New Press Release from VIA Rail Canada > Transport Minister announces $350,000 investment in Kitchener Station > - Minister joined by local MPs and Mayors on inaugural trip of new train to Toronto - > > KITCHENER - Prior to boarding the inaugural run of VIA Rail's new mid-morning departure from Kitchener to Toronto, Transport Minister David Collenette announced a $350,000 investment in improvements to the Kitchener station. > > Today's announcement is part of is a major regional focus in the corporation's $402 million capital investment program to revitalize passenger rail services in Canada. VIA's plans to upgrade and modernize the Kitchener station include new ticket counters, an expanded and renovated waiting room, improved access for people with disabilities, and improvements to the parking lot and platform. > > Before boarding the new Toronto-bound train, Mr. Collenette said that "trains play an important role in reducing highway congestion and greenhouse emissions in the outer-urban communities surrounding the Greater Toronto Area ". > > "By making passenger rail a more convenient and attractive alternative to car travel," Mr. Collenette added, "we are reinforcing our objective to encourage more people to travel by train - which continues to be one of the safest, most environmentally-friendly modes of transportation available today." > > Pierre Santoni, VIA's Regional Director for Southwestern Ontario, said, "over the past year, we have been meeting with community leaders, mayors, businesses, and travellers to learn how we can best serve the region -- now, and in the future. We are very pleased with the progress to date. Station improvements, such as those announced today for Kitchener, represent the level of commitment VIA is making to this region. We look forward to a strong relationship that will continue to grow in the future." > > The Minister and Mr. Santoni were joined for the occasion by MPs from the cities served by the new train, Kitchener Centre's Karen Redman, Kitchener-Waterloo's Andrew Telegdi, and Brampton West-Mississauga's Colleen Beaumier. Also accompanying Mr. Collenette were Kitchener-Waterloo Regional Chair Ken Seiling, Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr, Waterloo Mayor Lynne Woolstencroft, Guelph Mayor Karen Farbridge, Georgetown Mayor Kathy Gastle and Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell. > > Beginning October 28, the new mid-morning service will depart Kitchener at 10:00 AM, arriving in Toronto at 11:40 AM. The return trip will depart Toronto at 9:00 PM., getting back to Kitchener at 10:40 PM. These trains will stop in both directions at Guelph, Georgetown and Brampton, offering a new choice outside peak hours for those passengers wishing to use public transportation to travel to and from Toronto. > > In addition to this new mid-morning service from Kitchener to Toronto, VIA's fall schedule, effective October 28, includes extended services from Aldershot to Ottawa and Montreal, as well as from Oshawa to Windsor. > > - 30 - > > VIA Rail Canada Contact: > Catherine Kaloutsky > Tel : 416-956-7863 > Email: catherine_kaloutsky_@_viarail.ca > > Additional information is available : > The Renaissance of Passenger Rail: VIA's Investment Strategy - provides an overview of the federal government's $402 million capital investment in passenger rail. > The Renaissance of Passenger Rail: Southwestern Ontario - describes VIA Rail's focus on Southwestern Ontario, and initiatives to revitalize and expand services in the region. > > > > If you wish to be removed from this list, please follow this URL: > http://www.viarail.ca/en.fram.info.comm.desa.html > and follow the instructions on that page. > > ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <005401c160b1$4ebc5d90$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 14:38:38 -0500 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) PATH's old Hudson Terminal station to be reopened? PATH's old Hudson Terminal station to be reopened? -From Railpace.com Hot News... NO DOWNTOWN PATH SERVICE FOR AT LEAST 18 MONTHS: On Thursday's New Jersey News Program on Channel 13 , a PATH Spokesman suggested that PATH Service to downtown Manhattan could resume on a temporary basis 18 to 24 months from now. This forecast for temporary service assumes that PATH would make use of the old Hudson Terminal station which has been abandoned for about 30 years. To resume permanent service to the World Trade Center Station, a period of 48 to 60 months would be needed. At the present time, a train that was stored empty sits in the WTC station with four of its cars intact and three of its cars destroyed with much of the station roof collapsed. The two tubes have been plugged with three-foot-thick concrete walls east of the Exchange Place station in Jersey City to prevent any water from the New York side possibly flooding the rest of the system. (Steve Benkovitz - posted 10/26) ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <007901c160bf$5ef4b500$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 16:19:17 -0500 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Shepherdstown, WV Byrd dedicates Shepherdstown station BY RICHARD F. BELISLE / Staff Writer The Herald-Mail SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. - It was a ceremony to mark an earlier time when a small brick building by the railroad tracks connected Shepherdstown to the rest of America. "You could get on a train here and go anywhere in the United States," said Robert Northrup, president of the Station at Shepherdstown Inc. Northrup was at the dedication of the 93-year-old train station that served the town from 1908, the year it was built, until passenger service ended in 1956. U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., was the main speaker at the dedication ceremony Saturday morning. More than 100 people jammed into the half of the building that will serve as a community center. Another dozen or so stood out in the cold because of the lack of room inside. Byrd is the station's chief benefactor since he secured a $500,000 federal grant that renovated the long-neglected, empty shell. The building's south-side room, which once served as the main passenger waiting room, is now a modern community center. The remainder of the station is a dental office. In May, Paul Davis moved his dental practice into the north side of the building in space formerly occupied by the freight and baggage rooms. Part of the ceremony was dedicated to the memory of William Wade Waddle Sr. (1879-1958) who served as agent and telegrapher from 1915 to 1949. Some of Waddle's relatives attended the ceremony. The station, one of four built to the same plans, was put up by the then-Norfolk & Western Railroad, now Norfolk & Southern. From the mid-1960s to the early 1990s the station was used for storage. The movement to save the station was started by a group of volunteers in 1990. Byrd secured the grant in 1993 and work on the station began. In 1996, the railroad sold the station to Shepherdstown for $1. The official closing on the real estate deal was held in Byrd's office on Sept. 23, 1996. The senator pulled a dollar's worth of coins from his pocket to pay the railroad. Those same coins - two quarters, four nickels and three dimes - have been framed for permanent display in the station. The station, Byrd said, "is a symbol of the country's growth, a vital part of our national history that must not be forgotten." Though mostly complete, some work on the station still remains, including building storage and administrative space and equipping the catering kitchen. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <20011029233129.98192.qmail_@_web13107.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 15:31:29 -0800 (PST) From: Carl Reichert Subject: (rshsdepot) N. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals. http://personals.yahoo.com ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <20011029233129.63465.qmail_@_web13108.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 15:31:29 -0800 (PST) From: Carl Reichert Subject: (rshsdepot) N. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals. http://personals.yahoo.com ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <20011029234801.48403.qmail_@_web13104.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 15:48:01 -0800 (PST) From: Carl Reichert Subject: (rshsdepot) N.Y. State, Niagara County Lockport station for sale Notice: the extant railroad structures listing for for N.Y. State, Niagara County is now showing a "For Sale" sign for the Lockport (N.Y.) fire-damaged city railroad station with 3 acres of site property. Quiries can be made to realitor Samir Haddad of Stovroff.com, telephone (office) 716/ 434-8458. Additional info. available from: Carl Reichert via e-mail: Reichertcb_@_yahoo.com, or tel. 716/ 542- 2828. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals. http://personals.yahoo.com ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <3BDE2FCB.907F8FA6_@_erols.com> Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 23:42:51 -0500 From: Jim Dent Subject: (rshsdepot) Elgin Tx. Union Depot Restoration NOTE: This message had contained at least one image attachment. To view or download the image(s), click on or cut and paste the following URL into your web browser and click/select the index or matching subject link. http://www.railfan.net/lists/mplist.cgi?rshsdepot-photo DSC00699.jpg (357168 bytes) Subject: Elgin Tx. Union Depot Restoration Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2001 18:06:13 -0600 From: David Colosky Hi My name is David Colosky, I am currently the general contractor for a restoration progect on the Elgin TX. Union Depot. I am Looking for the original drawings of the building. It was built in 1903 at the crossing of H&TC and the MKT railroads. If you have any info. or know someone who might please email me or call at 1-512-748-0006. attached is a picture of its current state. Thanks David Colosky david_@_ingelcreek.com ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #192 ******************************* From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00f201c1613b$091aca80$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2001 07:04:31 -0500 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Duffield, VA Man tries to preserve region's railroad heritage By RICK WAGNER Bristol Herald Courier DUFFIELD _ Seventy-year-old Kenny Fannon's lawn is a de facto railroad museum, with its caboose, coal tender and depot chocked full of memorabilia. His interest in preserving pieces of railroad history spans two generations, as he is hoping to pass along his legacy of collecting to his 22-year-old grandson. "We just collect it all as long as it has something to do with a railroad," Fannon said. "It worries me sometimes," he said with a chuckle when asked about the worth of his collection and number of items. "We're trying to get another railroad car." The collection includes railroad memorabilia from across the United States, England and Australia, but it mainly focuses on the long history of rails in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. "People just come in when they see the door open," said Fannon, adding that he has gotten up from the supper table to show people his collection. The mementos range from old photographs to whistles, bells, coal stoves and timetables. "We've had people from Germany, Canada and Alaska," Fannon said. "Anybody who's connected with railroads, they love to stop." Many items, like old engine headlights, were sold to Fannon at the scrap metal yard where he worked since the 1950s and owned for many years. He still works part time for the new owners, to whom he sold the business 14 years ago. For groups, clubs and individuals, Fannon shares his collection and his encyclopedic knowledge of the region's railroad heritage. A case in point is the significance of May 6, 1939, the date of the last run of the Lonesome Pine Special passenger train between St. Charles and Bristol. He has an old newspaper clipping and train schedule confirming the fact. Railroading runs deep in the Fannon family. Fannon's father-in-law, Luther Bowen of Pattonsville, was an engineer for Southern Railway Corp. He said that's why his wife, Jean, shares his interest in railroads. Fannon also had two uncles who were engineers for Southern, and he tried to make sure his grandson took an interest in trains at an early age. "Most of my friends really aren't into trains," said his grandson, Ruston Fannon. The younger Fannon took passenger train trips with his grandfather when he was about a year old, and by the time he was 4, the two would go out to watch trains on many Sunday afternoons. "I hope it got him baptized good," Fannon said. It must have. Although Ruston Fannon is a senior marketing major and hopes to go to law school, he said railroading will always figure in his future. The two largest and most visible railroad items in that future are the depot and the caboose. The depot bears the name Duffield, but signs abound for Clinchport, Appalachia, Church Hill, Sunbright, Glenita, Oreton, Big Stone Gap, Bundy and Pocket. All those depots are gone except the Duffield depot, which was moved to Hiltons. Fannon's depot was built in Pardee, near Appalachia, for use as a prop in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter," which was filmed in the region in 1979. The building represented Loretta Lynn's hometown depot in Van Lear, Ky. In the 1980s, Fannon got Southern to agree to give the prop depot to him, only to have Blue Diamond Coal Co. claim it because it was on coal company property. But the coal company then told Fannon he could have it, so he had it cut in five sections and moved to his yard. Among the items in the depot are handbills advertising a Southern Railway excursion trip to Knoxville on Sept. 3, 1923, which boasts a round-trip Bristol-to-Knoxville fare of $3. Round trips on Sept. 7-12, 1931, to the Appalachian District Fair in Johnson City were 50 cents. To inquire about seeing Fannon's collection, call him at (276) 431-2428. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <00fa01c1613b$8e1e4e00$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2001 07:08:14 -0500 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Wewoka, OK Depot finds new home in Wewoka 2001-10-29 By Penny Owen Staff Writer -- The Oklahoman WEWOKA -- For more than a century, pieces of this small Oklahoma city's infamous railroad legacy have been scattered in places known and unknown, leaving its colorful reputation to old-timers' memories and history books. Old jokes about the "Wewoka Switch" and its notoriety for hoarding freight passing through its depot have all but faded away. But that legacy -- and perhaps the jokes -- will live on. The revamping of Wewoka's downtown will include retrieving the city's long-lost train depot -From the backyard of a Bowlegs resident, who bought the depot in the 1970s and spent thousands of dollars moving it outside her back door. It will soon become part of a plaza area known as "Switch Park." Plans are to turn the depot into a museum or perhaps a small office complex. Persuasion on the part of state Sen. Enoch Kelly Haney, D-Seminole, and Penny Kelly, Wewoka's Chamber of Commerce director, also got the Union Pacific Railroad to donate a caboose that would normally cost about $10,000. A little more sweet-talking urged Rent-a-Crane of Oklahoma City to move the caboose for $5,000 instead of its usual rate of $7,000. "I'm a good persuader, and I guess Senator Haney is pretty good at it too," Kelly said. The timing couldn't have been better. The city of 3,800 is using a $1.4 million community block grant from the state Transportation Department, plus some of its own money, to build new sidewalks, install old- fashioned streetlights and plant trees in its downtown area, which includes the Switch Park plaza. Kelly said she has been interested in the old train depot since learning of its existence several years ago. It was owned by the late Evelyn Mary Woodard, a Bowlegs resident who had it moved near her home to use as a workshop. "She liked antiques and stuff and she just wanted a building to tinker around in. She used it to work in, she upholstered furniture and that sort of stuff, but she never sold anything," said her brother, Robert Sullinger of the Houston area, who inherited the depot. "She wasn't the selling kind, she was the buying kind." His sister spent at least $8,000 to move the depot to her back yard. She died last year and Sullinger inherited it. Sullinger said he didn't hesitate to donate it to Wewoka because he knew the city would take care of it. The depot has much of its original interior, including the ticket window, counter and much of its original wood. It needs a paint job and some of the wood replaced. The city could resurrect its reputation as well if it chooses. In the 1800s, Wewoka became a trading post and switching point for the Choctaw & Gulf Railroad. When oil was discovered near Wewoka in the 1920s, the small town ballooned practically overnight and the local infrastructure could hardly keep up. Freight bills got lost, telephone lines were insufficient and rail facilities were in a state of chaos. The confusion climaxed when thousands of freight shipments destined elsewhere were found hidden at the Wewoka Switch. The problem became so common that the Rock Island Railroad Company made it a policy to first check Wewoka for all lost shipments. A rubber stamp was even created that read: "Search Wewoka Switch." And thus the saying was born: "It's in the Wewoka Switch," meaning that whatever or whoever involved was tangled up in a tight spot. The depot itself got caught "in the Wewoka Switch." Few noticed when Woodard bought and moved it. Many assumed it had been torn down until, decades later, local leaders such as Kelly realized it was still around. It seems the depot will return to its rightful place. Plans are to move it in December after other renovations are finished. Kelly said the plaza is just one of several steps Wewoka has taken to put itself back on the map. "We are wanting our community to grow into a tourism community with our history and heritage," Kelly said. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <010201c1613b$c1aeaee0$aca40318_@_union1.nj.home.com> Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2001 07:09:41 -0500 From: "Bernie Wagenblast" Subject: (rshsdepot) Dexter, MO Committee formed to restore train depot 10/29/01 Annabeth Miller -- The Daily Statesman Back in the early part of the last century, it was a brand-new symbol of a bustling community. And it stands today as a testament of the contribution made by the railroad to the community. The old railroad depot in Downtown Dexter was just one of many railroad depots built by the old Missouri Pacific and other rail lines throughout America's heartland. The docks around the building once were filled with freight begin shipped out of the area or goods coming into the community, and passengers would go to the depot to catch the train. The City of Dexter was able to purchase the depot building several years ago -From the old Missouri Pacific Railroad, and for a number of years the building was the home of the city's Civil Defense unit. The building has been empty for sometime, and plans have been discussed and ideas "floated" but little action taken. Now, however, a new committee appointed by Dexter Mayor John Pruitt has kicked into gear. The group, chaired by Mike Keathley, has been meeting and has devised a plan for t he restoration and use of the historic building. According to Keathley, a public meeting will be held Monday concerning the committee's plans for the depot. "This is an informational meeting and a chance for the community to have some input into the project," Keathley said. The meeting is slated for 7 p.m. Monday at the Dexter Municipal Building (old library ) on Vine Street. Keathley said Dexter is fortunate to have a depot in as good of condition as the one downtown. "There are just a handful of communities that still have their depots," he mentioned. Other communities with depots include Sikeston, Oran and Washington, Mo. Charleston has a unique depot, but Keathley said the facility is in poor condition and not likely to be restored. "Our depot is in excellent condition," he said. Keathley said two engineers have worked with the condition and have both said the building is, indeed, restorable. Much of the original woodwork inside the depot is intact, and there is a relatively new roof to the building. In fact, the new roof may have saved the structure, Keathley said. He said that in the 1980s the city began the work to replace the roof, and at the insistence of the late Jack Smarr, who served on the Board of Aldermen, the tile roof was replaced with a tile roof. Keathley said that when city officials contacted a local roofing firm, they not only had tiles but had original Missouri Pacific depot tiles for the roof. The company had replaced the roof at the depot in Oran, and when they did preserved the old tile. So the Dexter depot roof was restored with original red clay tile. "That new roof is what saved the building," Keathley stressed. At Monday's meeting the committee's plans will be unveiled. Keathley said the committee hopes that the plans will not only restore the old depot, but create a focal point in the Downtown District. "We hope that the restoration of the depot will stimulate other restoration and development in the downtown area," Keathley said. Once public input is received at Monday's meeting, the committee will present its plan to the Dexter Board of Aldermen. If approved by the board, work can then begin on the downtown project. Keathley stressed that the Monday meeting is open to the public, and encouraged persons interested in the downtown area, the community, and in railroads to attend. ------------------------------ -From Archives_@_Railfan.net Message-ID: <009b01c1617e$15113f70$df8d6ca5_@_itochu.com> Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2001 15:04:29 -0500 From: "Jim Dent" Subject: (rshsdepot) Cumulative Index of the Bulletin Railroad Station Historical Society, Inc. Cumulative Index of the Bulletin RSHS Archivist Art Peterson and Lynette Peterson have compiled an all-time cumulative index of the Bulletin. The index, in the same style as the annual index, covers the Bulletin from Volume 1 in 1968 to Volume 32 in 2000 and Monographs 1 through 23. It exceeds 140 pages in length. This index will be an invaluable resource to members, researchers, historians, libraries, and anyone interested in railroad depots and structures. A limited quantity of the all-time index will be produced in December. Members may order the index at a pre-publication price of $15.00 postpaid until December 31. Starting January 1, 2002, the index will be available for $19.00. The index will be printed in late December. ORDER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR INDEX FOR $15.00 POSTPAID. LOOK FOR THE ORDER FORM IN YOUR NEXT BULLETIN -- DUE IN MAILBOXES NEXT WEEK. ------------------------------ End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #193 *******************************