September 04, 2018

Franklin County Commissioners Donate Railroad Car to Local Museum

The Franklin County Commissioners passed a resolution to authorize the donation of a B&O railroad hopper car to the Cumberland Valley Rails-To-Trails Council.

The Franklin County Commissioners passed a resolution to authorize the donation of a B&O railroad hopper car to the Cumberland Valley Rails-To-Trails Council (CVRTC). The railroad car, currently located in the parking lot at Hood and King Street, will be relocated near to the steam plant in Shippensburg to be part of a museum highlighting the history of Shippensburg University’s use of coal.

“We recognize and appreciate the Cumberland Valley Rails-To-Trails Council’s efforts to preserve and tell the history of the railroad in our area,” said Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller.

The Commissioners were joined by CVRTC President Garret Stahlman and volunteer Jim Stanton who explained the organization’s plans for the railroad car. “The steam plant would have had coal delivered in a car just like this one.  If you move the grass away on the spot where it will sit, you can still see coal on the ground,” said Mr. Stanton.

There are currently 13 miles of rail trail which extend from Shippensburg to Newville. Commissioner Bob Thomas praised the development of the rail trail and the future use of the railroad car. He commented, “When the railroad first came to Franklin County on 3rd Street, there was not much there. It opened up the Cumberland Valley for commerce and travel. This rail car is a symbol of that growth and expansion.”

Mr. Stahlman thanked the Commissioners for their donation by saying, “We’re grateful for your recognition of the historical value of this railroad car and for helping keep it in the Cumberland Valley.”

The CVRTC is an all-volunteer, non-profit, charitable corporation. For more information, please visit the Cumberland Valley Rails-To-Trails Council website at http://www.cvrtc.org.

Pictured above (left to right): Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski, Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller, CVRTC President Garret Stahlman, CVRTC volunteer Jim Stanton, and Commissioner Bob Thomas. The commissioners present CVRTC with a copy of the signed resolution authorizing the donation of the rail car.

Pictured above (left to right): Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski, Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller, CVRTC President Garret Stahlman, CVRTC volunteer Jim Stanton, and Commissioner Bob Thomas.  The commissioners present CVRTC with a copy of the signed resolution authorizing the donation of the rail car.

 

Pictured above: B&O railroad hopper car located at the County’s Hood Street Parking Lot.

Pictured above: B&O railroad hopper car located at the County’s Hood Street Parking Lot.

 

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