Re: Chama Interpretive center/ library

The warehouse that was torn down was directly across from the Chama engine house. It appears in Jerry Day’s photo on page 35 of the June 1973 NMRA Bulletin as well as in the background of many photos taken of trains in Chama shot looking toward the parking lot or Terrace Avenue. For other views see Andy Payne’s Grande Gold page 100 circa 1971 and Brunner’s Rio Grande NG in Color page 119. Interestingly neither this structure nor the still standing wool warehouse is included in the structure map for Chama Y-344 on page 113 of Maxwell’s Rio Grande NG Summer of ’41 book.
Regardless of who owned the building Scenic Railways apparently tore it down sometime in the early 1970’s to increase the parking lot capacity. We don’t need to rehash the demolition issue as it serves no purpose at this point as the building is gone.
The structure appears to be about 25-30 feet wide by 45- 50 feet long in looking at the photos. If it was reconstructed to a similar footprint it could possibly include a basement thereby yielding a total of approx. 2,500 square feet for museum and library functions. With ramps the prototype loading docks could also serve for handicap access. It would be a focal point of the RR and restores a historic piece of the yard scene in a way that benefits the town of Chama, the RR, and extends the Friends mission on all fronts.