A Small House Moves Again

(A continuation of the article begun in the April 1991 issues of The Green Light).

Some of you may remember the long struggle the City of Newport went through when redevelopment became a reality, not a dream. Of course we wanted this drastic change which would revitalize our city, but each one of us had our own priorities, according to where we lived. The position of the traffic-bearing road from the new bridge through, and then out of the city, presented many serious problems. The Point with its many homes, was particularly vulnerable, as the new road would have to cut right through, taking many houses. It was suggested at one time that the railroad tracks be taken up, in this way providing all of the necessary space for America’s Cup Avenue. However, many people felt that the tracks should stay. The railroad might well be needed at a later date to haul material to the Naval Base, or possibly a renewal of the rail traffic in the future which, once lost, could not be regained.

From this concern an association of railroad buffs was organized, called ‘The National Railroad Foundation and Museum’.

The purpose was to preserve the line and keep it open, and to enable young children to know their heritage. Two pieces of rolling stock were acquired by the Foundation, and short trips were run up and down Aquidneck Island. Neither platform or station existed, the passengers stepping right down on the heavy grass by the old Mc Kenzie and Williams feed and grain store.

The Foundation had many members from all over the country including Allen Freed of Washington, D.C.; Richard Long, Newport architect; Pat Kirby, former mayor of Newport; Don Elbert, who became executive director; Bob Morris; Don O’Hanley, historian; and especially, Colonel William F. Long, chairman, also of inestimable value were the volunteers who staffed the project. Many of these were Navy personnel who enjoyed working the trains and maintaining the stock in their spare time. The Navy gave additional support by allowing the train to park overnight on a piece of track that went onto their land.

Colonel Long, as he drove through the Point, had caught sight of a small building behind 18 Elm Street. He thought it was a line shack once used by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. Upon inquiry he found that it was owned by Larry Allen. Colonel Long acquired the shack and moved it one and a half blocks to the south, setting it on a concrete base. In the meantime, tourist trips and charters started under the historic name of ‘ The Old Colony and Newport Railway.’

It was very evident that the station house would need much repairing. Richard Long, member of the board and highly skilled architect and preservationist, offered to take charge of the restoration. Rogers High School provided the labor from its vocational classes, and the work was well done. Richard Long designed the cupola as well as greatly improving the interior and laying out the platform with a shed roof. By 1982 all was complete. In spite of the fact that so much of the work was donated, the Foundation was responsible for a large financial outlay.

In 1983, the station was named for Senator Pell, who has done so much to promote railroads and the wise use of public transportation in the nation. Later on, when the Gateway project needed the land where the station was located, the station and platform were moved to the present site. Including the railroad in the project was important for transportation and legal reasons, since the land has a federal easement for railroad operations.

In 1989, the Foundation leased the station to the Newport Clipper Dinner Train which also operates on the track used by the Old Colony and Newport Railway for tourist and educational rides. So the history of this small building is now complete, and we urge you to take a trip on the railway and support the Foundation in their good work which is part of the rich heritage of the Point.