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NRHS Faces Challenges, Commits To the Future

While everyone likes to focus on the programs of their favorite nonprofit organization, the bottom line is that running a nonprofit is no different than running a business. The simple truth is that NRHS is selling a $50 product for $40, and no business can do that for long.

Michigan Central Station, Detroit, Mich.

The Michigan Central Railroad Station was Detroit's main mass transit point of entry, an elaborate structure that was the world's tallest at the time of its 1913 construction. Designed by noted architects Warren & Wetmore (the team that designed New York City's Grand Central Station), its cost surpassed $2.5 million and its design was one of the most elaborate in the nation. Closed in the late 1980s, the station is currently vacant and heavily damaged. It was listed in the Michigan Register of Historic Places in 1974 and in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The Lion Gardiner, Kingston, N.Y.

Built during the “Gothic period” of heavyweight passenger cars, the Lion Gardiner served on the New York Central’s finest trains after World War I and through the 1940s. The Pullman car is an exceptional representative of fine railroad dining during this era.

Union Station, Gary, Ind.

In 1910, this elegant Union Station was erected along the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern and Baltimore & Ohio lines through Gary. Beaux Arts style was still in vogue but construction would utilize the latest in 20th Century steel-reinforced poured concrete. Even today the station is structurally sound and the exterior is in remarkable condition. Yet the abandoned structure awaits an uncertain future, located among a maze of elevated railroad mainlines. Vandals, pigeons, and the elements have thoroughly damaged this one time showpiece and its magnificent interior has been stripped. Ceilings are caving in and all windows have been shattered.

East Broad Top Railroad, Orbisonia, Pa.

A National Historic Landmark—the highest designation available in the United States—the East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company is the country's oldest narrow gauge railroad. Opened in 1856, the line winds through 31 miles of beautiful mountain scenery and remains virtually intact – including track, steam locomotives, cars and facilities. Also nestled in the remarkably unchanged landscape are villages and towns which sprang up during the early years of operation. The EBT is a virtual time machine documenting the industrial progress of the U.S. during the golden era of steam power.

Duffields Station, Duffields, W.Va.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad depot in Duffields, WV, is a significant part of Jefferson County’s transportation and military history. The 1839 depot is believed to be the second oldest train station still standing in the U.S. It was significant in Civil War history as a key supply depot for Union Forces. It retains excellent historic architectural integrity for a building constructed in the early 19th century.

L&N Diesel Locomotive No. 770, New Haven, Ky.

Louisville & Nashville E6A diesel locomotive no. 770 was built in 1942 by the Electro Motive Division of GM. After its inaugural run from Louisville to Nashville, the locomotive regularly powered the road’s flagship passenger trains. Number 770 was retired in 1968 and donated to the Kentucky Railway Museum. One of only two surviving E6A models, no. 770 is the only L&N passenger diesel to be preserved. The rarity of the model, its 70 year-age and distinctive slanted-nose, as well as the historic L&N trains it pulled, qualifies it for the National Register of Historic Places.

Stewartstown Railroad, York County, Pa.

The Stewartstown Railroad is an example of a farmers' railroad that once served the agricultural and light manufacturing interests of a largely rural area of southern York County. Seven significant railroad structures along the 7.4-mile line have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the line itself is eligible for inclusion in the National Register. Freight operations ceased in 1992 and passenger excursion operations ceased in 2004. The railroad still holds its original charter of 1884, never having merged with another railroad or been subject to a corporate reorganization. This is the only such operation to survive to the present day.

Atlantic Coast Line Locomotive No. 1504, Jacksonville, Fla.

Manufactured in 1919 by the American Locomotive Company in Richmond, Virginia, Atlantic Coast Line locomotive no. 1504 has significance as one of the few remaining engines constructed under the direction of the United States Railroad Administration; it was designated a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1990. The coal-burning steam engine spent most of its career pulling passenger trains between Richmond and Jacksonville. It has been on display outdoors for over 50 years and is rapidly deteriorating.

2013 Convention Tickets On Sale Now

Welcome to NRHS Convention 2013. Sales are now open for the first NRHS Convention to be held in Alaska. Based in Anchorage, with pre-convention activities in Fairbanks, the program will feature nine days of events, including six days of special train trips on the Alaska Railroad. Many will cover lines that don’t see regular passenger service. Additional events include visits to several museums including the Museum of Alaskan Transportation and Industry, tours of the Alaska Railroad shops and Operations Center, the NRHS Annual Membership Meeting, NRHS Advisory Council Meeting, the NRHS Annual Banquet and a variety of rail history seminars.

LOCATION: The NRHS Convention 2013 will be based in Fairbanks, Alaska from September 13, 2013 to September 17, 2013, and then in Anchorage, Alaska through September 22, 2013.