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Down At The Depot American Railroad Stations 1831-1920 Alexander w/DJ
Down At The Depot American Railroad Stations By Edwin P Alexander
320 Pages
Hard Cover with Dust Jacket Has plastic protective covering
Copyright 1970
American Railroad Stations from 1831-1920
Over 400 illustrations.
Contents
Preface 7
Introduction 9
THE COUNTRY STATIONS 15
THE SUBURBAN STATIONS 113
SMALLER- AND MEDIUM-SIZE CITY STATIONS 147
STATIONS AND TERMINALS OF THE LARGE CITIES 205
THE STATIONS THAT USED TO BE 299
Index 318
Preface
THIS ALBUM DEPICTS BUT A FEW OF THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF STATIONS as they were during the railroad era-a sampling of the then important focal points of towns and cities across the continent. Their association with that nostalgic period, their picturesqueness, and their distinct and often unique architecture make them a most important part of the American past. But like the iron horses which came to them, they are in turn becoming just as antiquated in terms of modern transport.
The trend is already quite definite. Only in densely populated areas where mass transportation is planned can such structures for railroad patrons be economically justified. So, perhaps sadly to those historically or nostalgically minded, these buildings are disappearing.
The purpose here is to recapture an important part of the railroad era-to show railroad stations when they looked their best, were busiest, or were architecturally outstanding. Of course, many of the smaller buildings illustrated make no pretense of being representative of the last, but this should be compensated for by trains, people, or conveyances frequently shown.
Sometimes, dates and data have been scant or unavailable, and in a few cases an estimation has been made. Most of the pictures are from the author's collection, but the much appreciated cooperation of many railroads has been outstanding. Due credit has been accorded all pictures from these and individual sources, wherever known. In a number of instances, a picture of a train or locomotive appears opposite that of a station. This equipment would be generally typical of the type which passed through the station at sonic period of its history.
So, indulge in a bit of remembrance of the wonderful days of the "Limiteds," the "Expresses," the "Specials," and the "Flyers" as you look at these pictures. And by no means forget the people associated with them, station agent and train crew, baggageman and engineer-all are in the memories to be summoned up.
American railways were, for nearly a century and a half, the important giants of American industry and one of the most potent forces for the development of the American continent. In practically every American town, from the largest to the most obscure water stop, the railroad station was a focus of activity and of local pride. Railway companies-profitable, influential, and powerful-realized the importance of the railway stations and lavished the best architecture and design on them to attract notice as well as customers. As a result, the nation became dotted with splendid, fanciful, beautifully engineered buildings, and it is these happy symbols of American expansiveness that this book celebrates.
Often showing a picture of the local populace and of the great iron horses that stopped for passengers and freight, this book is a re-creation of a nostalgic moment in American life. Covering stations from Capistrano, California, to New York City, this book amply fulfills the author's purpose "to recapture an important part of the railroad era."
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