Re: PC: Grand Central Terminal

[User <wfdurham@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

User wrote:
> 
> Bob Waller wrote:
> >
> > Rob Carlo wrote:
> > >
> > > Hello all,
> > >    Looks like we have a new topic to debate with Grand Central.
> > > I for one am very happy to see the terminal restored.     I've only seen TV
> > > news reports, but it looks fantastic!
> > >    Yes, it is not the terminal it once was, but most of railroading has had
> > > to change to stay competitive and in Metro-North territory a lot of what
> > > was once "grand" is now gone.   I have fond memories of this area and have
> > > mourned many railroad landmarks destroyed for progress, but most commuters
> > > just want to get to work on time and I believe Metro-North does a pretty
> > > good job.   That is their reason for being.   I'd love to see PC still
> > > running to GCT,  but face it, to the average passenger it was a dismal
> > > experience with late trains, engine fires, and smoke in the terminal
> > > routine.   My brother may soon be a commuter to GCT and as a non railfan,
> > > I'm sure he'll appreciate arriving to a sparkling, living terminal versus
> > > the drab place it had become.
> >
> > I'll have to agree with this!
> >
> > >     On the other hand, a restoration of this magnitude and a building with
> > > all this history deserves some mention of it's historic past.    True, most
> > > people have probably no knowledge of NYC or it's flagship 20th Century
> > > Limited.   This railroad and this train more than any other (NH or PC) need
> > > some kind of mention or exhibit within GCT to remind those who visit today
> > > of what made the terminal great.
> > <snip>
> >
> > I think the main problem is that few people today, especially the 20s-30s
> > age range, know the historic significance of anything.  Few people seem to
> > care about the past of our nation. World War II is being forgotten. Too much
> > caught up in the present and future, acquiring money. I'm sure few walking
> > around the terminal really care about its history. This is the plight of
> > modern America.
> >
> > That being said, I think the restoration people failed in an opportunity to
> > educate the people about not only the terminal's history, but also failed to
> > educate them about their city's and our nation's heritage. Such is the
> > tragedy of today's planners.
> >
> > Still, something is better than nothing. That, my friends, is a major
> > backhanded compliment!
> >
> > Bob Waller (a guy in his mid-30s who respects our history :)
> > Conrail Cyclopedia: http://crcyc.railfan.net/
> 
> I have to agree with Bob Waller on Grand Central.  John W's comments on
> Grand Central were rather harsh. I think we all owe a debt of gratitude
> to Jackie Kennedy for spearheading the fight to save Grand Central.
> Ironically, if it had not been for the destruction of Penn Station in
> October, 1963.  If it had not been for her, there would be nothing to
> restore.
> 
> I think Metro-North should be commended for spending the money to
> restore the station to it's past grandeur.  This is rare for today's
> times.  So far as history goes, it's up to folks like us to keep it
> alive as we remember that sharp McGinnis New Haven paint scheme and the
> New York Central System Oval. Long live the Twentieth Century Limited.
> But let's also be thankful for what heritage we have left.
> 
> Bill Durham
> (Another guy in his mid-thirties who cares deeply about our nations
> railroad and car-building history.  Incidentally, I am in the early
> stages of writing a book on the Budd Company.  Doesanyone have any nice
> photos of Penn Central stainless steel Budd passenger cars or any shots
> at Red Lion, Philadelphia?  Wouldn't the Penn Central have served Budd
> from 1968-1976?

I didn't quite finish one thought and that was Penn Station's demise
gave birth to the Save Grand Central movement; so had it not been for
the destruction of Penn Station, Grand Central would have soon followed. 

Bill Durham