UPDATE: May, 2009

Over the past few months, I’ve taken many questions and comments from residents and people who pass through Windsor Locks. I wanted to take some time to address a few of the things we are frequently asked, as well as share some of the most recent updates with everyone.

Almost daily, I am asked, “What’s going on with the Train Station?” The Preservation Association is working diligently to keep the negotiations with Amtrak moving forward. This is an ongoing task that we knew would not be easy. We need to encourage everyone to continue their support and to help us continue to spread the word.

There are many comments made about the condition of the structure and how it looks. We are all aware that the building will continue to deteriorate, without the proper maintenance and care. While we want nothing more than to be able to start repairs, we do not own the Station – Amtrak does. Without their permission, no work can be done to the Station or its surrounding property.

Many of you have expressed that you miss our newsletters or you wonder if the news updates have been cancelled. The Preservation Association usually publishes a news update approximately 4 times a year. The newsletters have not been cancelled and we hope to resume them on a more regular basis. Much of our recent news has been posted on our website, which we always encourage everyone to view.

We appreciate and encourage questions and comments. Our group may be reached by email through our website, at our post office address, as well as by direct calls.

As you read our current edition, you’ll find more information on what’s current with our negotiations, as well as information from our fund raising committee.

Enjoy Spring!
Barbara Schley – Chairman
“Let’s Save the Windsor Locks Train Station!”

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Celebrity Sighting

WLPA members Martha Jarvis and Barbara Schley were fortunate enough to meet Tom Silva personally at a recent CPTV event in Middletown.  Silva can be seen on the long-running PBS TV series This Old House and Ask This Old House. According to the ladies, Tom is "a very down to earth, friendly man and very interesting".

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Fanmail

From: Bob Jones
To: TrainStation@WindsorLocksPreservation.com
Sent: Wed, 21 May 2008
Subject: Windsor Locks Station...

My ‘Wonder Years’ were spent in Windsor Lock. At the Rialto Theater I got my first…. ahh… kiss. Yeah, kiss.

As a kid I was quite the train enthusiast. A buddy and I (foolishly) walked across the rail bridge to Warehouse Point.

These days my railroad enthusiasm is limited to my laptop and Microsoft’s Train Simulator (MSTS). However, while researching details for the New Haven - Springfield mainline that I’m creating for the simulator, I stopped in Windsor Locks to photograph the Main Street that I fondly remembered. Much to my surprise… it wasn’t there.

Such a shame… history down the drain. The train station was one of the few remaining structures of the 50’s / 60’s Main Street.

Long story short, attached is my artistic (Desktop) rendering of the station. (click to view the image). Sorry about the quality, but I’ve misplaced the original work and had to ‘screen shot’ this image.

Enjoy,
Bob