Shown above is the former Wentz Tombstone shop at 20th and Hamilton Streets. Shown leading up to the workshop were tracks of the former Quarry Barber train spur. Many years earlier, the line crossed Hamilton and served a former soda bottling plant on Linden Street, behind the stadium. That building eventually was taken over by the park department, which allowed it to deteriorate, rather than replace the roof. The park department still believes in neglect, rather than maintenance.
Before the flatcar with granite reached the tombstone plant, it traveled between the stage and pond at Union Terrace. Two small bridges crossed the waterway behind the pond, one for the train and one for pedestrians coming to the park from Walnut Street.
I have been campaigning to get the park department to replace the pedestrian bridge it had removed, rather than repair it about eight years ago. There is nobody in the administration that remembers the bridge, they're all newcomers to town. But I remember, and I don't mind reminding them.
reprint
A few comments:
ReplyDelete1). Looking at life’s big picture, the real end of the line wasn’t the tombstone shop, but where the tombstones were finally placed.
2). At the end of the article, it mentions that it’s a reprint but doesn’t give the original date written. I was just curious if the mention about “the administration” refers to the current one or a previous administration. If a previous administration, it’s possible that the current administration is also unaware.
3). The bridge would actually be a fairly easy fix. The concrete supports are still there and in good condition. What is needed is the political will and support to get it done. I could even see it being rebuilt as an Eagle Scout project (hint, hint to any scouts out there). But again, it would have to have the approval of the those in City Hall to make sure it’s up to whatever standard is needed.
anon@2:18: I was actually referring to the end of the rail spur, but your interpretation also applies.
ReplyDeleteI'm referring to previous and current administrations.