Word has reached me late (due to helping with NRHS convention last week) that CSX has commissioned the demolition of the B&O Aberdeen, MD depot, the last wooden station on the Philly end of the B&O. The people of Aberdeen are trying to prevent it's destruction, but the crane from the contractor is in place and the stay of execution may not be long enough. If anyone on this site has pull with the right people, maybe we can prevent this significant structure from being raised. I'd like nothing better than to stop CSX from tearing down another station after what was done in Hagerstown.

pww57@hotmail.com

It seems that CSX is accelerating the demolition of unused structures along its ROW. If there are any structures that are worth saving, it is time to get on the stick and start putting together plans to move them.

I have been in contact with Preservation Maryland about the Aberdeen station and also hope to hear back from the Harford Co. Historical Society soon and will post contact info on how to help save this historic structure.

What I have been able to find out is that this crisis was precipitated by the Aberdeen city council, NOT CSX. Apparently some council members were tired of nothing happening, so they issued an order of condemnation several weeks ago, which in turn brought about CSX's bringing in a contractor and his crane to demolish the station. My understanding is that the local preservation people have been given an 120 day stay on the demolition to come up with the financial support and a plan for preservation. While we have some breathing room, make no mistake, this is an emergency situation. With the disaster at the B&O museum taking up most of the RR preservation attention and money in the state, it will not be easy to save the last wooden station on the East end of the B&O (1898, Frank Furness, Arch.). The Mayor of Aberdeen and a large minority of the city council support preservation, so we will not be totally bucking the local community. This is a chance to save a classic Victorian era station, and have it preserved looking like it did when built, inside and out - but only if we hurry. Please forward this alert to anyone you think can help - announce it at RR club meetings,etc. Thanks for your attention.

pww57@hotmail.com

The historic preservation people in Aberdeen, Md. have until Sept. 30 to rally the support they need, both moral and financial, to save the B&O station. What they are looking for at this time are letters indicating those promises of support. No money need be sent at this time, only pledges of support. The local contact there is:

Maryanna Skowronski, Administrator
Historical Society of Harford Co.
143 N. Main St.
Bel Air, MD 21014
(410)838-7691
e-mail: www.horsegal@iximd.com or www.harfordhistory.net

It would be especially helpful if anyone reading this knows anyone in or is a member of the local NRHS chapter, the Perryville Chapter, or for that matter the Baltimore Chapter, NRHS. I have started efforts to get support from the Potomac Chapter, which in the past has supported the preservation of such B&O structures as Miller Tower, the Silver Spring station, and most recently, repair of the B&O Museum roundhouse. Thanks again for your interest.

pww57@hotmail.com