Shawmont Station

[John Johnstone]

SEPTA announced at a Shawmont Community meeting, that they are acknowleging local architectural and financial support for a proper restoration of Shawmont Station. Future use is pending. Measures have been taken to better secure the building. Grounds are cleaned-up and a new heating system was installed to prevent further deterioration. The building pre-dates the railroad to 1826, according to deeds. Actual build date will have to be confirmed via Schuylkill Navigation Co. records. It is the only surviving multi-use building which facilitated the Pennsylvania Improvement Project of Canals, Roads and Railroads, written by William Strickland in the late 1820's. It was purchased by Henry Croskey, Lumber and Railroad Merchant in February of 1835. Croskey owned much of the acherage surrounding the Station and is said to have named; "Green Tree Run", "Green Tree Lane" and 'Green Tree Station". Croskey sold the well-established station to the Railroad in 1857. Croskey also became President of the Ridge Avenue Railway upon its opening in 1874. The name "Green Tree Station" was changed to "Shawmont Station " in 1873, years after inventor Thomas Shaw moved into Henry Croskey's residence and had invented several improvements for the Railroad. A history page will be posted on the internet as well as an updated historic video, in months to come.

[Tritransit Area]

This is great news!

[glennk419]

SEPTA announced at a Shawmont Community meeting, that they are acknowleging local architectural and financial support for a proper restoration of Shawmont Station. Future use is pending. Measures have been taken to better secure the building. Grounds are cleaned-up and a new heating system was installed to prevent further deterioration. The building pre-dates the railroad to 1826, according to deeds. Actual build date will have to be confirmed via Schuylkill Navigation Co. records. It is the only surviving multi-use building which facilitated the Pennsylvania Improvement Project of Canals, Roads and Railroads, written by William Strickland in the late 1820's. It was purchased by Henry Croskey, Lumber and Railroad Merchant in February of 1835. Croskey owned much of the acherage surrounding the Station and is said to have named; "Green Tree Run", "Green Tree Lane" and 'Green Tree Station". Croskey sold the well-established station to the Railroad in 1857. Croskey also became President of the Ridge Avenue Railway upon its opening in 1874. The name "Green Tree Station" was changed to "Shawmont Station " in 1873, years after inventor Thomas Shaw moved into Henry Croskey's residence and had invented several improvements for the Railroad. A history page will be posted on the internet as well as an updated historic video, in months to come.

John, thank you for the update. Good news indeed.

[25Hz]

This is after ivy ridge outbound?

[glennk419]

This is after ivy ridge outbound?

WAS. It is not a station stop anymore.

[SCB2525]

It's still there and its still listed as a station in the employee timetable.

[SWK]

Shawmont may still be in the employee timetable, but it is not listed as a passenger station.

[SCB2525]

That was never in question.

[John Johnstone]

I confirmed and notified SEPTA, that the Station was built in 1826, as a country vacation home belonging to Nathan Nathans, Esq., who tried to sue the Railroad in 1834, lost, and then sold it to Lumber and Railroad merchant, Henry Croskey in 1835, who named it "Green Tree Station". It can been seen with its nearby docking area on an 1827 Schuylkill Navigation Company Map, #101, at the PA State Archives. Not only is it the oldest passenger station in the United States, it is the oldest building owned by any railroad, in the world. Thank You for all your support, John Johnstone

[NorthPennLimited]

I confirmed and notified SEPTA, that the Station was built in 1826, as a country vacation home belonging to Nathan Nathans, Esq., who tried to sue the Railroad in 1834, lost, and then sold it to Lumber and Railroad merchant, Henry Croskey in 1835, who named it "Green Tree Station". It can been seen with its nearby docking area on an 1827 Schuylkill Navigation Company Map, #101, at the PA State Archives. Not only is it the oldest passenger station in the United States, it is the oldest building owned by any railroad, in the world. Thank You for all your support, John Johnstone

....Wow, I figured something along the B&O right of way would have the claim to fame for oldest passenger station in the US

[John Johnstone]

B&O does own the oldest railroad building, but Shawmont is the oldest building owned by a railroad, as well as the oldest passenger station. Thanks

[John Johnstone]

Here's a photo from an 1827 Schuylkill Navigation map. The Station and its grounds are outlined, facing the turnpike before tracks were put in and bordering a towpath and boat house.

[SCB2525]

Out of curiosity, what kind of ridership was this station seeing before it was closed?

[John Johnstone]

Before the "New" Ivy Ridge Station opened on that line in 1986, and the next inbound stop was Manayunk, it probably saw between 100 - 125 per day. from 1986 - 1995, it was probably around 25 - 30 per day.

[John Johnstone]

Here is the URL for a new Shawmont Historical Webpage, which I wrote for Philanet. At the top-left of the page, there is a "photo gallery" tab. Click on that to see several associated photos, some of which have never been seen before on the internet.

http://philanet.com/Philadelphia/railro ... ation.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Enjoy & share!

Thank You,

John M. Johnstone