The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, operator of the Adirondack Railroad, has received a generous grant from the John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust to make renovations to one of its passenger cars. The $10,000 grant will support restoration of this classic railcar for service throughout the railroad’s entire route between Utica and Tupper Lake.
The interior of the car will be refurbished into a configuration reminiscent of classic “parlor cars” operated by many railroads in the first half of the 20th century. New interior walls, windows, lighting, and furniture will reflect that ambience from an earlier era.
“We are grateful for the belief in our railroad demonstrated by the Trustees of this fund established by the late Mr. Emery, a native of Chicago and a lover of the classic passenger trains of America”, said Frank Kobliski, President and General Manager of the Adirondack Railroad. “Mr. Emery’s desire to support preservation of the passenger experience from the “Golden Age” of railroading has been of benefit to many historic endeavors throughout the country. The focus of this grant is consistent with his philanthropic legacy”.
The Adirondack Railroad, a subsidiary of the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, Inc. operates the longest scenic rail route east of the Mississippi River. It is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Utica, NY, and since 1992 it has provided memorable experiences for over 1.8 million passengers on tracks of the former New York Central Railroad.