Michigan Central Station - Seeking a Future for a Symbol of a Grander Past

By SUSAN SAULNY, New York Times
Published: March 5, 2010

DETROIT -- The last train pulled away more than 20 years ago from Michigan Central Station, one of thousands of "see-through" buildings here, empty shells from more auspicious times. Many of the blighted buildings stay up simply because they are too expensive to tear down. Yet Michigan Central is in a class of its own. Some city officials consider it among the ugliest behemoths to pockmark Detroit and have ordered its demolition, but others see it as the industrial age's most gracious relic, a Beaux Arts gem turned gothic from neglect but steeped in haunting beauty.

Now Detroit has become embroiled in an urgent debate over how to save what is perhaps its most iconic ruin -- and in the process, some insist, give the demoralized city a much needed boost. "People compare it to Roman ruins," said Karen Nagher, the executive director of Preservation Wayne, an organization that seeks to protect architecture and neighborhoods around Detroit. "Some people just want it left alone. But I'd love to see that building with windows in and lights on again."

Read the rest of the article here.

Central Headlight - 1Q 2010

The latest issue of the Central Headlight is in the mail and on its way to current NYCSHS members!

This issue's lead story is about career of the man pictured on L-3a 3001's pilot - veteran Big Four engineer Maurice Lewman. This issue also features the conclusion of Tom Gerbracht's article as he recalls his experiences as a rider on a delivery of General Electric locomotives to the New York Central in 1965. Also features is another one of Jim Stuart's recollections. This, and other great stories, information and photographs await the reader in the next Central Headlight!

It should be noted that thanks to the efforts of editor Rich Stoving and his volunteer assistants, the Central Headlight is now back "on the advertised!"

NYCSHS members get the current issue mailed to them each quarter! Not a member? Join today! Not sure if you want to become a member? Members and non-members can purchase back issues of the Central Headlight here.

East Rochester Despatch Shops - In Color

The Rochester Chapter NRHS and its Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum have worked very hard to preserve the history of the Merchants Despatch Transportation East Rochester Despatch Car Shops in both artifacts and images. The R&GVRRM rosters two MDT reefer cars (one built in East Rochester) and one caboose built in East Rochester. They also have an exhibit on MDT and the Despatch Car Shops in one of their MDT reefer cars, MDT #14053. The exhibit features images and artifacts from MDT including the following photographs from the Rochester Chapter's collection taken in color from the roof in what we believe to be the late 1940s or very early 1950s. Have a better idea of when they were taken? Please contact them if you have details or information to share!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rgvrrm/sets/72157623368041768/

Central Headlight - 4Q 2009

The latest issue of the Central Headlight is in the mail and on its way to current NYCSHS members!

The cover story is Part 1 of a two-part article that recalls the experience of NYCSHS Director Tom Gerbracht as a rider for General Electric during the January 1965 delivery of three new U25B locomotives to the New York Central. This, and other great stories, information and photographs await the reader in the next Central Headlight!

NYCSHS members get the current issue mailed to them each quarter! Not a member? Join today! Not sure if you want to become a member? Members and non-members can purchase back issues of the Central Headlight here.