|
|
|
|
Medina Freight House History
Reprinted from the 1905 Medina Tribune (a
weekly paper)
Conference of Railroad Officials with Medina People
Medina Tribune Feb. 16, 1905
Assistant Superintendent E. H. Croly, of the
New York Central Railroad, and Division Engineer J. M. Podnewr came to Medina on
Monday and held a conference with the Medina Business Men’s Association, Mayor
Robbins, the Common Council and prominent merchants and shippers. This
conference was the result of the petition of business men, published elsewhere,
and personal appeals of our most prominent manufacturers, and their visit gave
encouragement for the early betterment of our shipping facilities.
After a meeting in the Hart House parlors, a tour of inspection was made of the
proposed route for a railroad switch. The plan proposed by the Village was to
start the branch on Main street and run on a gentle grade to Orient street,
alongside the Central tracks, and then branch off down Orient street to Maher
Brothers and Cook & Company. Many difficulties were found, but it is believed
the thing can be done.
Some Things that the Village of Medina Wants
Medina Tribune Feb. 16, 1905
The New York Central Railroad Company to do
for the Manufacturing Plants of Medina, and for the Benefit of the People in
General.
Under the above heading, the following was last week, by Hon. Fred L. Downs, on
behalf of the Business Men’s Association, presented to the authorities of the
New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company:
“First. To have a switch running from its main branch to the manufacturing
establishment of S. A. Cook & Co.; running from that switch to Mayer Bros.
furniture factory, and running from that switch to the Medina Frame Factory, for
the reason that all three of those manufacturing institutions are large shippers
of incoming and outgoing freight, as can readily be found out by referring to
the books of the freight agent of the Company.
“Second. To have the present freight house enlarged so as to accommodate the
other manufacturing institutions, and the general business done in Medina.
“Third. Arrangements made so that manufacturers and businessmen can have cars at
any and all times when needed.
“Fourth: An extra man in the ticket office so that the passengers may be able to
purchase tickets without delay, on the arrival and departure of passenger
trains, for the reason that at the present time there is only one day man, and
he is obliged to attend to the telegraphing and the selling of tickets, and
under the rules, as the people understand it, telegraphing must be attended to
first, whether the passengers have an opportunity to purchase tickets or not.
“Fifth: We need a new passenger depot, with the grounds roundabout it graded and
decorated.
“We believe that we are not asking too much when we ask the above, and have it
done in the order above enumerated. We do not understand why we have been
obliged, for the many years past, to ask, as we ask again, for the above, and no
particular attention paid to it, or replies given, except, ‘We will see what we
can do.’
“This in a nutshell.”
In response to this petition we are pleased to state that active operations have
already commenced with the view of constructing the switch requested; that it is
authoritatively stated that the old freight depot will be removed and a new and
much larger one erected on the site of the old one as soon as the weather
permits in the spring, and that the situation in the ticket office has been
relieved by the placing therein of an extra man. This much for the present, with
encouragement for the future.
New Central Freight House
Medina Tribune Aug. 3, 1905
The new freight shed is now an assured thing.
Work is in progress and will be rushed to completion. The old stone building is
being torn down and the new one will be erected directly north, thus allowing
room for three more tracks on the front side of the building, Accommodations can
then be had for loading forty cars as against seven now. The new structure will
be of wood on a concrete foundation, 300 feet long and 34 feet wide, making
ample accommodation for the constantly increasing freight business in this
village.
No little credit is due to Mayor Robins, president of the Business Men’s
Association, S. A. Cook & Co., and A. L. Swett for their untiring efforts in
bringing about this much needed improvement.
In the recent issue of the Buffalo Express, commenting on the improvements the
New York Central contemplates making along its lines, mention is made of Medina,
stating that $30,000.00 is to be expended here for various improvements.
