Efforts to preserve B&O 1885 Aberdeen Station!

BnO_Hendo Jan 23, 2008

  1. BnO_Hendo

    BnO_Hendo TrainBoard Member

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    In Aberdeen, MD there exists a station that was built by the B&O in 1885! There are plans underway to restore this train museum! CSX has actually donated land. I received this email from Maryanna Skowronski of the Historical Society of Harford County in regards to the preservation efforts:
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    Hi Dave,

    I'm sorry to be so long in replying to your e-mail. I broke my hand a few weeks ago and had surgery on it recently so have been a bit slow in replying to messages typing with one hand as I am.

    CSX has offered to donate land for a site on which to relocate the building. It is a good piece, 14,000 square feet and would only require a move of about fifty feet directly backwards and still parallel to the tracks. The land is within the right of way. As you may know the larger, hoped for site was declared surplus and sold to a private party last year.

    We have a contract for the land donation which has not been signed. There are issues of cost involved such as insurance and an environmental assessment of the site both of which are required. At present the project owes the Historical Society approximately $3,500 for costs to date but not including the assessment and insurance. The assessment will cost anywhere from $1600-$2100 which is money we don't have at present. When the society agreed to be the agent for the project it was with the condition that no society funds would be spent as we have our own concerns with an aging building and utilities, etc. so that $3500 has to be paid back.

    On a positive note, we have submitted a grant application for a second $50,000 from the Maryland Historical Trust. If we receive it (which we expect to) that will give us about $100,000 for the project-enough, in theory, to complete the move. There was a very positive article in the Harford Sun recently. Ruth Elliot of the Aberdeen city council has been looking for a contractor who might be willing to donate the work of putting in a foundation but has been unsuccessful so far.

    If you do write an article (which would be greatly appreciated) perhaps you could mention some of the needs we have in terms of site preparation, the assessment, etc. The Historical Society is a 501 (c) 3 which means all contributions of funds or services are tax deductible. If there are any rail buffs out there who are interested in helping out with financial contributions or hands on work they can contact me at 410-838-7691 or at this e-mail address DirectorHSHC@verizon.net fundraising is our biggest need at present.

    We do have a very nice PowerPoint presentation about the station and the project which we'd be happy to show at one of your meetings if you'd like.

    Thanks so much for your continued interest and support.
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    This area is a GREAT railfanning spot, and could be made even better with a preserved B&O station there. Here is a YouTube video I took of the station with a CSX train.



    [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjppQtcUtpA"]YouTube - Freight runs past the 1885 BO Station in Aberdeen.[/ame]
     
  2. Stourbridge Lion

    Stourbridge Lion TrainBoard Supporter

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    Would be great to see the place saved! :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up:
     
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I wish them luck saving this structure. Sounds like the RR is friendly. So, as long as time does not become a critical factor...

    Boxcab E50
     
  4. BnO_Hendo

    BnO_Hendo TrainBoard Member

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    Indeed, moving it back just 50 feet will be easier than having to truck it across town! It will be in the same vicinity where it was originally located, and I like having it still being near the B&O Philly (Cheesesteak) Sub.
     

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