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c.1880s ex-NYC depot 'dozed
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Author:  Ed Kelley [ Tue May 15, 2012 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  c.1880s ex-NYC depot 'dozed
Adding to the endless list of losses, the pint-sized ex-New York Central Putnam Division depot in Millwood, NY, is no more:
http://pleasantville.patch.com/articles/old-millwood-train-station-demolished

Though small in stature, it wasn't in significance. Originally built at Briarcliff Manor, NY, this gingerbread gem survived replacement by its successor Tudor station house, donated by Walter Law to match the architectural style of his nearby Briarcliff Lodge, when it was moved up the line. An ancient wooden baggage car body served as the freight shed, which painted an almost shortline setting. Lucius Beebe was taken enough by its quaintness to coordinate an excursion up the "Put" with the ex-V&T "J.W. Bowker" up from the 1939 World's Fair, which IIRC included a stop at Millwood. Even after the tracks were torn up, the depot kept character in the community and was a favorite site alongside the adjacent North Country Trailway.

After all it lasted through, it was truly sad to see it go so swiftly like it did. (And honestly if I'd known, I'd have probably been there with a shovel, some beams, jacks and a rented flatbed truck ;) Rest in pieces, old friend.

Image
Author:  tomgears [ Tue May 15, 2012 2:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: c.1880s ex-NYC depot 'dozed
Sadly, file that one under "you can't save em all".
Author:  N.C. Guest [ Thu May 17, 2012 12:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: c.1880s ex-NYC depot 'dozed
Nearly six months ago, we had a buyer ready and willing to take this station to Pennsylvania and restore it. He had the funds in place and had sent a craning and moving expert to evaluate it and prepare a moving plan. We have been ready to execute on a moment's notice since that time. We were asked to hold off by the town, who expressed an interest in saving it themselves or in partnership with the County. All parties, including the owner, promised to inform us if and when their efforts to save it failed. No one called us.

There is no excuse for this station's loss. The owner's answer was "Sorry about that." My reply to him was that he should be. There is no shortage of blame to go around and I hope that message reaches who needs to hear it.

Sincerely,
N.C. Guest
Author:  Alexander D. Mitchell IV [ Thu May 17, 2012 1:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: c.1880s ex-NYC depot 'dozed
If that is the case, it's worth at least "rattling the cages" of local media to publicize that the loss of this building was not necessary. However, local sentiment tends to diminish when someone proposes the relocation of what is supposed to be a "historic landmark" to another state. Ultimately, though, just like everything from a piece of ephemera to the entire East Broad Top, there's still no forcing a private owner to do something they don't want to. This could be anything from a failure of communications to a failure to establish the credibility or seriousness of the offer.
Author:  N.C. Guest [ Thu May 17, 2012 1:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: c.1880s ex-NYC depot 'dozed
ADM4: "However, local sentiment tends to diminish when someone proposes the relocation of what is supposed to be a "historic landmark" to another state."

Just FYI, exact opposite happened here. Sentiment increased with the proposed removal to PA.
Author:  Alexander D. Mitchell IV [ Thu May 17, 2012 2:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: c.1880s ex-NYC depot 'dozed
N.C. Guest wrote:
Just FYI, exact opposite happened here. Sentiment increased with the proposed removal to PA.


Obviously not, or it would have been preserved one way or the other. Are we perhaps confusing "sentiment" with "price tag"? Or was the local hatred of Pennsylvania (or those proposing the purchase and relocation) enough that they would demolish a structure simply out of spite?

Something isn't entirely clear here.
Author:  N.C. Guest [ Thu May 17, 2012 2:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: c.1880s ex-NYC depot 'dozed
I'll try to clarify again. Local interest in saving the structure grew once the proposal to move it to PA was put forth. We held off on moving it in deference to that newly-fanned local interest to save it on site, though we were assured notification if that effort faltered. The demo appears to have taken place in spite of that interest and assurance.
Author:  Jim Vaitkunas [ Thu May 17, 2012 3:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: c.1880s ex-NYC depot 'dozed
What an absolute gem! Who in their right mind would want to destroy this classic?

To the fellow who called in the dozers, you are a bad citizen. SHAME ON YOU! You need to explain why you did this.
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