by NJ Vike
PRESS RELEASE
September 19, 2004 – Maywood, New Jersey (9:00pm EDT)
GRAND OPENING of Maywood Station on September 25, 2004 from 11am to 3pm
The Maywood Station Historical Committee Division of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society, Inc. is pleased to announce the GRAND OPENING of restored Maywood Station at 269 Maywood Avenue, Maywood NJ starting at 11am on Saturday, September 25, 2004. The national landmark station has gone through an incredible transformation during the past two years in its restoration by the volunteer, non-profit, MSHC and is viewed by the historical community as one of the fastest, most thorough and best preservation success stories in recent times. Aside from the full restoration, the MSHC will also operate a museum inside the station, which will be open to the public containing historical items relating to the station and the role it had in the development of the Borough of Maywood. Additional events in conjunction with the operation of the museum are also planned to be hosted in the future.
Dylan Ratigan, host of CNBC’s top-rated business show Bullseye, seen weeknights at 6 to 7pm, will serve as the Master of Ceremony. Mr. Ratigan is a veteran business journalist who, until March, 2003 served as Global Managing Editor at Bloomberg News where he supervised more than 110 reporters worldwide. Mr. Ratigan also co-created and hosted Morning Call on Bloomberg News Radio and the USA Network. He has conducted interviews around the world ranging from Microsoft founder Bill Gates to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. Additionally, Mr. Ratigan speaks regularly at major events including the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland.
Invited guests who will participate in the Grand Opening remarks include Walter G. Rich, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway; Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg; Assemblyman Gordon Johnson; Freeholder Chairperson Valerie Huttle; Freeholder Jim Carroll; Freeholder David Ganz; Borough of Maywood Mayor Thomas Richards; Christopher Cotty, Vice President of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society and Walter E. Zullig, Jr., Regional Director of the National Railway Historical Society as well as other public officials and members of the historical community. Pastor William Von Husen of Crossroads Community Church will deliver the Invocation. A ribbon cutting ceremony will also take place. After the Grand Opening ceremony, the station and museum will be open to the public until 3pm. Refreshments will be served and is sponsored by Atlas Model Railroad Company.
The Larry Stevens Band will perform from 12 noon to 2pm and is sponsored by Park Ave Suzuki of Maywood. The band is led by Nashville, TN-based front man Larry Stevens, who has played a host of outdoor town concerts and shows including The Meadowlands State Fair opening for Zebra, Guy Molinari’s Summer Starlight Concert Series at South Beach in Staten Island, NY, PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ and venues like the Bitter End in New York City, Kenny’s Castaways in New York City, the world-famous Blue Bird Café in Nashville, TN and the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. Larry has also opened for recording artists, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, Jessica Andrews and Steve Forbert. Larry has just completed his new CD entitled Heart of a Fighter with producer Trevor Johnson.
Accompanying Larry in his band will include Van Manakas, who studied guitar with Pat Methany and who has recorded for Rounder Records. Van composed the soundtrack for the film Mountain. Van’s finished his 6th solo project recording this summer, which will be released later this year by Rounder Records.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE !!
Background: Maywood Station Historical Committee
The Maywood Station Historical Committee (MSHC) was formed on May 29, 2002 by volunteers who wished to save the 1872-built New York, Susquehanna & Western (NYS&W) Maywood, New Jersey railroad station after it became public that the Borough of Maywood had signed a demolition order against the historic building. The station had languished from years of disrepair since it was last used by the Veterans of Foreign Wars as a meeting hall in the early 1990's. Over the next decade, the NYS&W made numerous attempts to lease the station but they could not come to an agreement with the town over any proposed usage, which led to the eventual deterioration. The last regular NYS&W passenger trains ceased in 1966 and the tracks in front of the station have been operated as freight-only ever since.
The first steps that the MSHC did to save the station were to contact the New Jersey Historical Preservation Office (NJHPO) and the NYS&W to see what could be arranged. Through the NJHPO, the MSHC received a Certification of Eligibility on the station for placement on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. This certification was obtained on June 14, 2002, only 10 days after it was applied for by the MSHC. The station was identified as one of the oldest existing in the State of New Jersey still retaining most of its original character. On June 5, 2002, the MSHC also entered into an agreement with the NYS&W for restoration of the station and use as a local railroad museum and meeting place for the group.
As news spread of the restoration in the press, several railroad historical societies contacted the MSHC offering assistance. The MSHC weighed the options and on June 20, 2002, they became a division of the 501(C)3 non-profit New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society, Inc. (NYS&WT&HS). The MSHC also acquired immediate non-profit status by aligning with the 600-member NYS&WT&HS and could therefore begin its fundraising efforts to start work on the station. The MSHC has since participated in the NYS&WT&HS’s annual Fall Foliage, Santa Claus and Easter Bunny train rides.
Almost immediately, the MSHC began fundraising initiatives by conducting an engraved brick drive and sought out other donation possibilities from local businesses and private individuals. By early July 2002, a long-term lease on the station was struck with the NYS&W. Simultaneously; the MSHC began weekly volunteer work sessions to restore the station.
On August 4, 2002, the MSHC submitted an application for permanent placement of the station on the New Jersey and National Historical Registers. Subsequently, on February 18, 2004 the station was formally placed on the New Jersey Register of Historical Places. On May 29, 2003, the station was formally placed on the National Register of Historical Places.
The MSHC's main objectives have been to restore, revitalize and maintain the historic Victorian Style station. Stucco had been applied to the station in 1920 and the first order of business was removing it and restoring the walls to its original board and batten appearance. While removing the stucco, numerous paint samples were discovered including what was thought to be the original New Jersey Midland (NYS&W predecessor) colors. The MSHC had the various paint samples professionally analyzed in a lab and the tests found, indeed, that the NJM paint was still present. The colors were certified and the MSHC has obtained correct color matches and the structure is the first restored station on the NYS&W to have the authentic NJM colors on it. The exterior colors are a very light beige with a reddish-brown trim. In addition, the earliest interior colors have also been tested and matched, which feature a blue-green ceiling with medium green trim while the walls have been restored to their natural wood appearance. By early August 2002, the MSHC could boast that the station was stabilized with a new roof applied and the grounds completely graded. By late October 2002, the exterior had been completely sanded and primed and a majority of the exterior painting had concluded. A year later, in November 2003, approximately 90% of the exterior restoration had been completed including the fabrication of the new bay window (the original was removed in the 1950's). A new slate floor was also added during December 2003 as the original was removed long ago. Through the spring of 2004, the restoration progressed on the interior with painting and wood re-working being performed. Other achievements of the MSHC have been to completely restore the interior and the old freight platform and freight house door.
MSHC members have amassed and designed a very diverse and appealing museum inside the station, which will be open to the public containing a wide array of items featuring original station artifacts as well as displays covering the role the station had in the development of the Borough of Maywood and the surrounding area.
The group feels that they have restored a station like none other since an exceptional amount of the original structure was reworked and restored. The MSHC has received continual local and regional support for their restoration efforts and its roster comprises of volunteers from all walks of life working for a common goal. The results have been impressive and prove what can happen when a group unites for a common cause to save a piece of its transportation history and at the same time renews pride in its community.
For more information on the MSHC’s restoration project, see their website at http://www.geocities.com/maywoodstation ... ation.html
A Restoration in Progress……..
(above, left) May 24, 2002 view of the station in a state of disrepair before the MSHC volunteer restoration efforts began. Among other items, the west end wall of the station was gone and the roof overhang was in terrible shape. (above, right) May 29, 2004 view of Maywood Station exactly two years since the Maywood Station Historical Committee was formed. Through the tireless efforts of the MSHC, the restoration has been one of the best recent success stories in the preservation community as the station changed dramatically taking on its original appearance of one-hundred years ago.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE !!
September 19, 2004 – Maywood, New Jersey (9:00pm EDT)
GRAND OPENING of Maywood Station on September 25, 2004 from 11am to 3pm
The Maywood Station Historical Committee Division of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society, Inc. is pleased to announce the GRAND OPENING of restored Maywood Station at 269 Maywood Avenue, Maywood NJ starting at 11am on Saturday, September 25, 2004. The national landmark station has gone through an incredible transformation during the past two years in its restoration by the volunteer, non-profit, MSHC and is viewed by the historical community as one of the fastest, most thorough and best preservation success stories in recent times. Aside from the full restoration, the MSHC will also operate a museum inside the station, which will be open to the public containing historical items relating to the station and the role it had in the development of the Borough of Maywood. Additional events in conjunction with the operation of the museum are also planned to be hosted in the future.
Dylan Ratigan, host of CNBC’s top-rated business show Bullseye, seen weeknights at 6 to 7pm, will serve as the Master of Ceremony. Mr. Ratigan is a veteran business journalist who, until March, 2003 served as Global Managing Editor at Bloomberg News where he supervised more than 110 reporters worldwide. Mr. Ratigan also co-created and hosted Morning Call on Bloomberg News Radio and the USA Network. He has conducted interviews around the world ranging from Microsoft founder Bill Gates to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. Additionally, Mr. Ratigan speaks regularly at major events including the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland.
Invited guests who will participate in the Grand Opening remarks include Walter G. Rich, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway; Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg; Assemblyman Gordon Johnson; Freeholder Chairperson Valerie Huttle; Freeholder Jim Carroll; Freeholder David Ganz; Borough of Maywood Mayor Thomas Richards; Christopher Cotty, Vice President of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society and Walter E. Zullig, Jr., Regional Director of the National Railway Historical Society as well as other public officials and members of the historical community. Pastor William Von Husen of Crossroads Community Church will deliver the Invocation. A ribbon cutting ceremony will also take place. After the Grand Opening ceremony, the station and museum will be open to the public until 3pm. Refreshments will be served and is sponsored by Atlas Model Railroad Company.
The Larry Stevens Band will perform from 12 noon to 2pm and is sponsored by Park Ave Suzuki of Maywood. The band is led by Nashville, TN-based front man Larry Stevens, who has played a host of outdoor town concerts and shows including The Meadowlands State Fair opening for Zebra, Guy Molinari’s Summer Starlight Concert Series at South Beach in Staten Island, NY, PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ and venues like the Bitter End in New York City, Kenny’s Castaways in New York City, the world-famous Blue Bird Café in Nashville, TN and the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. Larry has also opened for recording artists, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, Jessica Andrews and Steve Forbert. Larry has just completed his new CD entitled Heart of a Fighter with producer Trevor Johnson.
Accompanying Larry in his band will include Van Manakas, who studied guitar with Pat Methany and who has recorded for Rounder Records. Van composed the soundtrack for the film Mountain. Van’s finished his 6th solo project recording this summer, which will be released later this year by Rounder Records.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE !!
Background: Maywood Station Historical Committee
The Maywood Station Historical Committee (MSHC) was formed on May 29, 2002 by volunteers who wished to save the 1872-built New York, Susquehanna & Western (NYS&W) Maywood, New Jersey railroad station after it became public that the Borough of Maywood had signed a demolition order against the historic building. The station had languished from years of disrepair since it was last used by the Veterans of Foreign Wars as a meeting hall in the early 1990's. Over the next decade, the NYS&W made numerous attempts to lease the station but they could not come to an agreement with the town over any proposed usage, which led to the eventual deterioration. The last regular NYS&W passenger trains ceased in 1966 and the tracks in front of the station have been operated as freight-only ever since.
The first steps that the MSHC did to save the station were to contact the New Jersey Historical Preservation Office (NJHPO) and the NYS&W to see what could be arranged. Through the NJHPO, the MSHC received a Certification of Eligibility on the station for placement on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. This certification was obtained on June 14, 2002, only 10 days after it was applied for by the MSHC. The station was identified as one of the oldest existing in the State of New Jersey still retaining most of its original character. On June 5, 2002, the MSHC also entered into an agreement with the NYS&W for restoration of the station and use as a local railroad museum and meeting place for the group.
As news spread of the restoration in the press, several railroad historical societies contacted the MSHC offering assistance. The MSHC weighed the options and on June 20, 2002, they became a division of the 501(C)3 non-profit New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society, Inc. (NYS&WT&HS). The MSHC also acquired immediate non-profit status by aligning with the 600-member NYS&WT&HS and could therefore begin its fundraising efforts to start work on the station. The MSHC has since participated in the NYS&WT&HS’s annual Fall Foliage, Santa Claus and Easter Bunny train rides.
Almost immediately, the MSHC began fundraising initiatives by conducting an engraved brick drive and sought out other donation possibilities from local businesses and private individuals. By early July 2002, a long-term lease on the station was struck with the NYS&W. Simultaneously; the MSHC began weekly volunteer work sessions to restore the station.
On August 4, 2002, the MSHC submitted an application for permanent placement of the station on the New Jersey and National Historical Registers. Subsequently, on February 18, 2004 the station was formally placed on the New Jersey Register of Historical Places. On May 29, 2003, the station was formally placed on the National Register of Historical Places.
The MSHC's main objectives have been to restore, revitalize and maintain the historic Victorian Style station. Stucco had been applied to the station in 1920 and the first order of business was removing it and restoring the walls to its original board and batten appearance. While removing the stucco, numerous paint samples were discovered including what was thought to be the original New Jersey Midland (NYS&W predecessor) colors. The MSHC had the various paint samples professionally analyzed in a lab and the tests found, indeed, that the NJM paint was still present. The colors were certified and the MSHC has obtained correct color matches and the structure is the first restored station on the NYS&W to have the authentic NJM colors on it. The exterior colors are a very light beige with a reddish-brown trim. In addition, the earliest interior colors have also been tested and matched, which feature a blue-green ceiling with medium green trim while the walls have been restored to their natural wood appearance. By early August 2002, the MSHC could boast that the station was stabilized with a new roof applied and the grounds completely graded. By late October 2002, the exterior had been completely sanded and primed and a majority of the exterior painting had concluded. A year later, in November 2003, approximately 90% of the exterior restoration had been completed including the fabrication of the new bay window (the original was removed in the 1950's). A new slate floor was also added during December 2003 as the original was removed long ago. Through the spring of 2004, the restoration progressed on the interior with painting and wood re-working being performed. Other achievements of the MSHC have been to completely restore the interior and the old freight platform and freight house door.
MSHC members have amassed and designed a very diverse and appealing museum inside the station, which will be open to the public containing a wide array of items featuring original station artifacts as well as displays covering the role the station had in the development of the Borough of Maywood and the surrounding area.
The group feels that they have restored a station like none other since an exceptional amount of the original structure was reworked and restored. The MSHC has received continual local and regional support for their restoration efforts and its roster comprises of volunteers from all walks of life working for a common goal. The results have been impressive and prove what can happen when a group unites for a common cause to save a piece of its transportation history and at the same time renews pride in its community.
For more information on the MSHC’s restoration project, see their website at http://www.geocities.com/maywoodstation ... ation.html
A Restoration in Progress……..
(above, left) May 24, 2002 view of the station in a state of disrepair before the MSHC volunteer restoration efforts began. Among other items, the west end wall of the station was gone and the roof overhang was in terrible shape. (above, right) May 29, 2004 view of Maywood Station exactly two years since the Maywood Station Historical Committee was formed. Through the tireless efforts of the MSHC, the restoration has been one of the best recent success stories in the preservation community as the station changed dramatically taking on its original appearance of one-hundred years ago.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE !!
If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there.
