==
Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
Salem Depot Restoration Project
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Days of yesteryear... and as of October 2008
Introduction:
Remember the Good Old Days?
Well whether you do or not, the Salem Depot Train Station has been a fixture in our town since the early 1800's when many travelers coming from other towns to parts unknown stopped at our little station for a respite from travel. Centered halfway between Boston, Massachusetts and Concord, New Hampshire, Salem Depot was the natural place for travelers of the day to take a brief respite from their journey. While time has taken it's toll on this little treasure in the depot but the good news is it has been examined and is structurally in tact, so most of it's condition is cosmetic.
Salem once had a grand total of four train stations? Locations included Hampshire Road, Rockingham Park, the town's main station at Salem Depot with another station across from Victorian Park called called Canobie Lake Station.
Our group consists of citizens and business's that care deeply about reviving this train station to be enjoyed by future generations. It's not clear yet what will occupy the station when it's finished but our immediate goal is rewind what the hands of time has done. The old rail corridor through Salem is to be made into a bike-pedestrian transportation corridor to serve residents, businesses, commuters, and tourtists. Click here to read how this project is progressing. Working together, the Salem Depot Train Station and Salem Bike-Ped Transportation Corridor projects will really put Salem "on the map" as the southern and one of the most important points along the rail trail going through Windham, Derry, Londonderry, and into Manchester. It will happen -- it is just a matter of when!
Looking to get
involved in our quest to preserve Salem's last remaining train station? Please
contact us today! http://www.SalemDepotStation.com.
Contact person: Dianne
Paquette, 58 Pelham Road, Salem, NH 03079, 603-898-2192
Project updates:
September
8, 2008: Dr.
Henry LeBranche, speaking for the Salem Depot Restoration committee, addressed
the Salem Board of Selectmen (BOS) concerning funding arrangements for the Depot
building project. Everything is in order and work is proceeding. His presentation
was followed by one from the Salem Bike-Ped Corridor (SBPC) committee. Dave
Topham updated the BOS on the new SBPC web site which was designed by Derek
Schultz, a Sophomore in Salem High School. A residential survey created by Salem's
Community Development Director Bill Scott was also presented for review. Once
finalized, the web site and on-line survey should be released in late September.
Meanwhile, three SBPC committee members will work with the Salem Depot Restoration
committee since the depot and bike-ped corridor projects are so closely related.
September 2, 2008: Restoration of this grand old depot building shifted into high gear during this past summer. Not only was the interior purged of damaged and improper material, but the roof and eves were repaired and now the siding is being replaced. A totally new electric service entrance is now in place on the rear of the building. Six recent photos follow.
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South
end and front track-side views, September 2, 2008
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Details
of new roof and eves, Tyvek insulation from Cyr Lumber
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Rear
views, east and north sides.
Note new window frames and electric service entrance.
February 26, 2008: Work on the interior continues during the winter! The original three-room design is being restored with the removal of a wall that split the Waiting Room area. Once all the post-1912 modifications are removed then the "real restoration" work can begin.
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Removal
of interior walls to restore the Waiting Room areas, February 2008
January
27, 2008: Well
we have been very busy! The station's look changes almost daily and we are thrilled
with the momentum that we have seen regarding our project! We will be introducing
a coloring contest for grade school children in March. Pat Hargreaves (Pat's
key n lock) has replaced the old locks with new ones. The interior is bare but
beautiful and I can't wait to get started! Donations can be sent to: Salem Historical
Society, 310 Main Street, Salem NH 03079.
Soon we will know how much the project will cost and how the station's unique
structure will change to accomodate new codes and ADA handicap access. Our vision
is to keep the station's original 3 room structure but of course building codes
have changed since 1867, but we are being careful to maintain the building's
original beauty.
Check out the website for updated photos and information www.salemdepotstation.com
Recently I was interviewed by channel 17 and a show with a preview of the exterior
and interior of the station will be included, I'll let you know when it's scheduled
to show! My husband Joe and Lawson Brouse recently re-attached the project sign
to the side of building (and we added some Valentines too).
As always we encourage all skill levels for our project, but if you are a licensed
craftsman, electrician, plumber etc, please contact Tom Gioseffi to see if your
talents are needed. There is no guarantee that Tom will need you but it's good
to have a list of available helpers! tgioseffi@stonehillbuildersllc.com
The station is absolutely beautiful and ready for all our group can do, I will
keep everyone updated as we go along, thank you all for sticking with us!
Dianne Paquette
December 6, 2007: The interior of the station has been stripped of asbestos and inappropriate woodwork, the rotted siding covered with lead paint has been removed, and the "add-a-room" has been removed. Private money has been obtained to repair the slate roof. The exposed siding has been painted a dark green, the color of the station in 1912. Work will continue through the winter as weather allows.
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View of Salem Depot with the "add-a-room" removed, December 2007
November
2007:
Clean-up work started by EnviroVantage. See
photos of this work in progress.
September 2007: View of Salem Depot Station before work started:
The 1876 Salem Depot as of September 2007 -- pretty sad looking!
October 2006: For a photo show of the run-down and inappropriate interior click here: http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/XU7rT7ru
Web site:
http://www.SalemDepotStation.com
Contact person:
Dianne Paquette
58 Pelham Road
Salem, NH 03079
603-898-2192
