DGDC seeks Union Station stories
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on March 18, 2009 1:46 PM
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Union Station
You won't find any passengers stepping into Union Station for years.
The railsides there have been quiet for more than four decades.
But downtown officials hope the stories born at the station during the 60 years it was operational are still fresh in the minds of those who used to treasure time spent in the trains that passed through it.
The rennovation of Union Station will be put on hold April 1, as city officials mark the building's 100th birthday.
But Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. staff said the celebration needs something special.
They are asking those with memories from the station -- like a first train ride or love story set there -- to share their stories.
"We want your stories. We want to know what you remember about the train station," said Lara Landers, DGDC promotions coordinator. "Do you have fond memories? Did you play there? ... We would like to record your stories so they can be a part of this historic moment in time."
Those stories, she said, would be a significant part of the April 1 celebration.
Those with memories to spare should contact the DGDC at 735-4959.
Designed by Wilmington architect Joseph Leitner, the $72,000 Union Station was opened in 1909, but was closed nearly 60 years later following the termination of passenger rail service to and from Goldsboro.
In August 2007, Department of Transportation officials announced its purchase of the station and disclosed intentions to renovate the building to create a multimodal transportation hub and, potentialy, allow for the rebirth of passenger rail service from Raleigh to Wilmington, through Goldsboro.
DOT had been eyeing purchase of the station since May 2000, when a task force was formed to research the feasibility of passenger rail service from Raleigh to Wilmington.
Since the purchase, stabilization of the building has been completed and the next phase of work will involve restoration of the interior.