"Its a Festivus Miracle, Jerry!"


My Friends! Oh what a day I've had!

I may have been instrumental in ridding this forum of all the annoying URHS posts that we all despise at this point. I may also have been instrumental in opening a door and shining a light on numerous things that the organization never realized before.

For all those out here who were unable to deduce what I was hinting at with my capitalization of the word 'hypothetical' in my original post, well, here's the scoop:

Today, I met with the current president of the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey. We had an hour-long conversation inside the cars that Star Trak, Inc. is currently using as their offices at the Lebanon storage and restoration site. We discussed past, present, and future happenings of the organization. Although there were many points made and discussed, the one phrase that best sums up the crossroads we found ourselves at in the end is:

"What we've got here is...... failure to communicate."

We are all very aware of the points of grievance that have been voiced in this forum when it comes to the organization. Some have also said that the URHS doesn't need one person to tell them how to do the right thing. Well, I think that today one person has done a world of good when it comes to putting the URHS 'back on track'.

There is an enormous void between our perception of what the URHS is doing and what the URHS actually knows of public opinion. There are numerous reason for such a condition. Perhaps its the age of the individuals who make up the member organizations. Perhaps its our short-comings when it comes to being active members of said organizations. Regardless of who's to blame, the biggest obstacle when it come to making progress is a lack of knowledge on both sides.

Luckily, there are individuals in decision-making positions right now who are willing to make changes in that condition. What I left that meeting with is: "We are willing to better things, and we are open to volunteer support to make that happen. We are also open to fresh blood joining the member organizations with a goal of steering the effort in a more effective, productive direction". What we've said here, and what the URHS knows or perceives of those statements have NEVER crossed paths, but they're willing to finally work towards a nexus.

Now is the time for EVERYONE, who believes the equipment in the URHS collection is worth preserving, to step up and make an effort. Never before has there been an opportunity for concerned individuals to make a difference. The current climate, and hopefully the future climate, promises to be one that is very favorable to volunteerism. The organization believes, and has been told, that they need to re-introduce themselves to the community in order to raise awareness, support, and funds to accomplish their stated goals. WE are the key to making that happen!

I urge, AND CHALLENGE, all those who have said that their volunteer offers have been turned away, to re-submit the form on the URHS's site. There's a new sheriff in town and he's ACTIVELY seeking new deputies!

ENOUGH OF THE PREACHING:

I bring good news regarding the equipment we are so passionate about:

To start: A work session is confirmed for this coming saturday, December 22 at 9am at Boonton Yard to secure the equipment.
As we may or may not know, GG-1 4877 and the now-former 'Erie' E-8s are very close to full restoration. A URHS-sponsored event will hi-light their glorious return upon their completion.
NJT-1 (former Blue Comet DeVico) has received a grant for its restoration.
Several pieces in Boonton are being evaluated for safe storage and restoration on the Cape May Seashore Line in Tuckahoe, NJ.
NJ Transit, by their short-sighted demolition of the Hoboken MU shed, is now bound by historical preservation mandate to financially support the restoration of at least 2 of the former DL&W MU coaches.
The U34CH and SW-9 in the care of what was once the NY&GL in Passaic will be making their way to Boonton. For those who think thats a bad idea; I have some good news! Boonton Yard is to receive a fence, security cameras, increased patrols, an enclosed pole structure for restoration work, water, electric and restroom facilities. The PSE&G switcher at Ridgefield Park will also be coming to Boonton. It is functional and will serve as Boonton Yard switcher when the equipment needs to be moved for restoration purposes, so NJT doesn't have to be bothered. These, as well as a few other projects are on the schedule!

The equipment in Ridgefield Park is prepped and ready to move to Boonton pending a final meeting with the railroads involved. There is a tentative thumbs-up from all involved. GG-1 4879 is said to be really bad, but there seems to be some hope left for her.

There's a few more details, but this post is long enough. If you want more, I highly suggest getting involved personally. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the response you receive.

I suggested the following:
Improve and update their website.
I will also be giving regular updates here and posting any and all photo evidence as it becomes available (much like the Catskill Mountain RR does in the NY State Railfan forum). Otto, David? May I suggest a Sticky for such a thing once enough material becomes available?
I also suggested that the extreme fondness for the U34 is something they should capitalize on. We may be able to see an excursion in the not so distant future if we band together to support such a thing (it just takes a little work and generosity).

All my questions and suggestions were met with a very receptive attitude, and I truly believe if more people, such as myself, become more vocal and active, all the hopes and dreams we have for this stuff have a very good chance of coming to fruition.

The winds of change are blowing. I highly recommend that everyone hoists their sails and takes part in this apparent renaissance.

I left with a very good feeling! I invite all of you to experience the same by making your own effort to reach out and assist the URHS effort.