Cowford wrote:GO'K, with respect, such words as "vandalism", "indictment" and "complicity" are inflammatory. I agree that the razing of Union Station was unfortunate, especially considering the uninspiring strip mall that replaced it. But vandalism? In 1961, what could have been done with this 73-yr old building? In the eyes of the owners, it was a liability and pretty useless for any other applications. Mainers apparently weren't cloaked in nostalgia as they are today and, instead, were looking forward.You are right. I wrote that post with quite a bit more emotion than usual and perhaps too much. From a business standpoint I agree and understand completely what Maine Central did. In regards to the final statement regarding nostalgia I'm not entirely sure there's much of a difference. The historic preservation movement in Portland that originated as a result happened in the immediate aftermath. Going through some local history from Winthrop and their "Old Home Days" celebrations I find similar if not greater appreciation for history back then but far fewer instances of preservation.
Continuing efforts to tie Maine's pax rail future to its past do more harm than good.
I also agree that we would never want to return to the over regulated situation of the past. However, for the sake of its meaning to the community, for Portland's own self image and perhaps even as a statement on the importance of the mode itself I think there would be value to some kind of reconstruction to a scale that is reasonable towards cost and contemporary and future function.
gokeefe