Extraordinary Stories From An Ordinary Guy: The "Old Neighborhood: Amtrak Train Station" Story

It was an ordinary day. Read in the paper a few days ago that commuters riding the Amtrak train from Lancaster, PA to points west and east had to walk around the train station, cross the tracks and climb the steep stairs to get to the platform in order to catch their train in the early morning. Wow! How dangerous is that? The commuters were locked out of the station which is in my old neighborhood where I grew up as a young boy back in the 50s and early 60s. Spent many a day at the station back then with friends or by myself sliding down the brass railing inside the station, sitting on the benches of Platform #1 or #2, waiting for the trains to arrive so I could talk to the conductor or engineer. Back then they would actually take time to talk to you. Even crossed the tracks to sit under the platforms and watch the trains fly by directly in front of me. But, that was way back then and I was not supposed to be crossing the tracks anyway. This morning dozens of commuters had to do that in order to catch the train to head west to Harrisburg or east to Philadelphia to their jobs. Seems that both the workers who were supposed to open the doors to the station at 5:00 AM didn't. One called in sick and the other was late. Only half an hour late mind you, but that was the busy morning rush hour and that's not acceptable. This morning I read in the paper that US Senator Bob Casey really gave it to Amtrak. See, this isn't the first time it has happened in recent months and the safety of rail travelers is in jeopardy when they have to venture across busy tracks that are in constant use. Sounds like a law suit if someone would get hurt. Casey called on Amtrak to immediately take corrective action and asked for a timely written response that outlines its plans to prevent the mistake from ever happening again. Pennsylvania is trying to push mass transit and this certainly doesn't help the matter. After reading all this and realizing I had nothing to do today, I thought it was time to visit the old stomping grounds and take a few photos. Renovations have been taking place over the past few years to the tune of almost two million dollars. Seems like I should be able to tell the difference when I visit. When I arrived I noticed the new parking lots in front of the train station. Always tough to park in the neighborhood and this will be a big help. Pulled into spot #14 and read the sign that I was supposed to head to the toll booth to pay for the parking. That I did and I found a sign that said "Booth closed". As soon as you arrive you notice the new overhanging protective shields to make it easier to arrive and unload without getting wet on rainy days. Only thing is, they don't match the architecture of the original train station. I snap a few photos and head up the stairs. The long brass railing heading upstairs is still as shiny and beautiful as it always was. I reach the top of the stairs and look around. Ticket window still remains on the left as it was years ago. Took a few shots of the grand lobby and headed to the long windowed hall that leads to the platforms. Shot a few pixs from one of the open windows of the tracks below and was confronted by the Porter/Red Cap. Guy wants to know why I'm taking photos. Reasonable question so I share my story with him. Instantly, he becomes my best friend. Tells me about the ongoing renovations or lack of ongoing renovations. Not hard to see the peeling paint and plaster on the floor from the deterioration of the walls. Where did the millions go? I ask for the next arrival time and head for Platform #2. A few more photos and I'm ready to leave. Looked at some of the spots that I used to frequent almost every day during the summer when I was younger and headed back to the main lobby. Stopped at the top of the steps and wondered what people would think if I slid down the brass railing. Took a few parting shots and walked down the stairs. Didn't want to chance breaking something if I should fall sliding down the railing as I did many times years ago. Memories upon memories of the old neighborhood flooded me today. Must return soon, I thought to myself. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.