IMHO The Bottom Line
First of all this is my 11th season across from the depot. Lots has happened and more than once we IMHO almost lost our railroad. IMHO The Friends are the reason we still have a railroad. I doubt if there is anybody that is going to read this that has had more heated battles with the friends than I have. Some of you old timers may remember I was even thrown out of the friends. Probably not to many people alive that can say that. IMHO with out the friends stepping up to the plate more than once IMHO we probably would not have a railroad today much less one that is in a growing pattern.
IMHO: Somethings must happen if we are going to have a successful long lasting railroad. A NEW shop is in the works and is a must do thing. More income and that means more ridership, and if this new railroad visitors center ( accredited museum of which there are not many of) is going to bring additional people to the railroad then we should all sit back and think about the fact that there is going to be a new shop on the property so why not a new museum available as well. I image there was a lot of the same negative comments made when they built the restrooms and now they must be OK cuz I don't hear a lot of folks saying tear them down. Another thing to think about is when you are taking photos from the East side of the yard your background is a lot different than it was just a few years back and no body yet has suggested that the village tear down their clock and other improvements.
One thing I did hear was that the first plans for the new building was turned down cuz it was to modern looking.
This was first brought up in 2004 and then would of been the time to complain or try to have things changed. The information has always been available to the public so not knowing about it is nothing but an excuse. This is going to cost a lot of money and if the Friends don't have to buy land it means a lot less money. I think having something close to the depot rather than a long way off will be appreciated and used more by the riders and others. Close as can be and still be out of the restricted view area.
Last IMHO having a way to help educate the young ones about the railroad is good for the future of all railroads and I understand that is going to be a big part of the museum. For kids and schools.
OK, fire away.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/20/2007 09:20PM by Roger Hogan.
