Tom Cornillie has requested that we contact the City of Altoona, Wisconsin and also the local newspaper there to support the efforts of the Altoona Roundhouse Museum at saving that structure. Here's what I wrote. I hope others will support them.

Save the Altoona Roundhouse

I was dismayed to learn recently that the Altoona Roundhouse, which until recently housed two steam locomotives and seemed assured of preservation, is now being threatened with possible demolition. I understand this has come about largely due to a dispute between politicians, over an unrelated matter. I certainly hope local citizens will rise up against such petty politics and not allow this rare historical building to be needlessly destroyed.

Years ago, railroad roundhouses were common structures, usually located every 100 miles or so along the tracks to service steam locomotives. Today, very few remain, with well under 100 left in all of North America, including Mexico. Of those that exist, less than ten can be considered preserved; the rest bear little resemblance to their former railroad use, often used as dismal warehouses until the roof collapses or vagrants set them afire while trying to keep warm. Several more are destroyed each year.

Properly preserved and developed, the Altoona roundhouse represents a unique and authentic historical attraction that could attract thousands of visitors to spend their money in the area. Because it has never left railroad usage, the site is historically quite complete. While some minor roof, window, door, masonry and other site work will no doubt be needed, the expense should be relatively low compared to other public projects. Much of the cost can be covered by grant funding, and much of the work can be accomplished by volunteers. These are tough economic times for communities everywhere, but the roundhouse project should not place an undue burden on local taxpayers.

Although the two Soo Line steam locomotives will now be based elsewhere, there is plenty of historically appropriate rolling stock available to make the site complete. Much of it is in need of a better home and could probably be had by donation.

As a longtime railroad employee (including 20 years as a hostler and machinist in a similar roundhouse), preservationist
and writer, with a main interest in saving roundhouse and shop facilities, I certainly hope folks in the region will recognize the importance of this rare structure and save it from the bulldozer. I urge you all to support the efforts of the Altoona Roundhouse Museum, so future generations can realize how Altoona, Wisconsin came to be what it is.

Bob Yarger, Editor
Railway Preservation News (free website)
www.rypn.org

The local paper, the Leader Telegram, has an editorial submission form at http://www.cvol.net/contacteditor.htm, or call 715-833-9216 or 1-800-236-7077.

The City of Altoona may be contacted at cityhall@ci.altoona.wi.us.

http://www.cvol.net/contacteditor.htm
ryarger@rypn.org

City of Altoona phone is 715-839-6092, fax is 715-839-1800.

http://www.cvol.net/contacteditor.htm
ryarger@rypn.org

Taken when the two Soo steamers were present.

http://www.2719.com/pages/rhphoto.html
ryarger@rypn.org

Bob, Good letters, but isn't the building gone or on the way to being gone? Jim

http://nctrans.org
Wrinnbo@aol.com

The publicized date was April 15, but others have said that demolition was rescheduled for June. As of this morning it is still there. However, even if the roundhouse is gone by the time that you read this, it is still important to let the city know (via contacting them and the local paper) that they are making a big mistake. I have recently updated the website, on how to pay for remediating the site and restoring the roundhouse - and how this will bring additional benefits and economic activity to the community.

Altoona Roundhouse Preservation, Tourism
altoonaroundhouse@umich.edu

Contacting Altoona will not be much use. The UP is SET on the demolition and is not interested in other options. I've had discussions with both parties and the interest and $'s are just not there. Sure is a shame, get the photos while you can!!!!!

colfaxrr@wwt.net

The Union Pacific (UP) has previously stated that they will only consider selling the building to a government body or agency. In their last talks with the UP, the city decided not to take any action, or work in partnership, to acquire the roundhouse. As I have outlined on my website (see "The Future" page) there are multiple sources of funding for acquiring, remediating, and restoring this site as well as liability protections for future owners.

> Contacting Altoona will not be much use. The
> UP is SET on the demolition and is not
> interested in other options. I've had
> discussions with both parties and the
> interest and $'s are just not there. Sure is
> a shame, get the photos while you can!!!!!


Altoona Roundhouse Museum

altoonaroundhouse@umich.edu

While what is stated below may well be the case, I personally see no reason to give up until the walls start falling. It only takes a few minutes to write an e-mail or call, to show the historic importance and possibilities for this facility. If it is eventually lost, then it's lost, but why give up before it is?

> Contacting Altoona will not be much use. The
> UP is SET on the demolition and is not
> interested in other options. I've had
> discussions with both parties and the
> interest and $'s are just not there. Sure is
> a shame, get the photos while you can!!!!!


ryarger@rypn.org

Mr. John Bromley (Union Pacific Public Relations)frequents the Trainorders website and is an avid RR historian I think. It may be somewhat worthwhile to try and contact him. I am not very good at writing things about all this stuff but if someone else is I could post it for Mr. Bromley to see. Let me know.

Chris

ablemanscurve@hotmail.com