THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 11, 1994 TAG: 9412090298
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
As sad as it is that the downtown railroad depot was damaged by fire, it could fan the embers of historic preservation in Suffolk.
Unlike a remote structure that might be of historical importance yet remain unknown to most people, the depot is so conspicuous that no one driving past it is likely to ignore it.
There's romance about the rails. One's eyes go automatically to the station's Queen Anne-style tower, bracketed eaves and arched windows. It's easy to visualize steam-belching locomotives of yesteryears coming down the tracks, their whistles announcing arrival.
All that could bode good for a station that is of no further use to the CSX Railroad Co. but is a more familiar Suffolk landmark than even Planters' wrought-iron fence topped with statues of Mr. Peanut. It's a shared treasure, and that should heighten public interest.
Even before the recent fire, the Downtown Suffolk Association and Nansemond-Suffolk Historical Society had begun efforts to save the station and to stimulate work on other boarded-up historical properties along Main Street. Now, a group called Save Our Station - SOS - is working to see that the depot is saved rather than razed, which is among options of the owners.
While government grants come immediately to mind, this effort screams for community support. The important thing is that the building is saved, whether it's placed in the hands of a public body or a private owner, perhaps as a restaurant.
Awaiting government commitment can be terribly time-consuming - and inhibit local involvement. There's too much reliance on government at all levels for too much, and that often is reflected in inaction.
As private citizens, we say often that we can better take care of local matters without the strings of government involvement. This is an opportunity to test that conviction.
The depot is a Suffolk asset, and Suffolk folks should demonstrate their pride by rallying for its preservation.
The Suffolk Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce comes immediately to mind. While its building on East Washington Street is impressive for its lack of appeal, what would be a more appealing quarters/visitors' center/ public meeting center than a restored 1885 depot?
The chamber could use the additional space and the visibility as a leader of Suffolk's business community, and that restoration could stimulate work on boarded-up, historic Main Street houses that so detract from downtown.
If you share the enthusiasm of Save Our Station, get involved. There's plenty to be done, plenty to be gained.
Contact a SOS committee member for more information: Betsy Brothers, 539-6312; Bob Chisom, 539-3592; Linda Doland, 925-6518; Del. Robert Nelms, 925-1991; Thomas Waller, 934-2303; Thomas Woodward, 539-3055.
Suffolk doesn't need another boarded-up eyesore. It needs even less a vacant lot on which once stood a 19th-century railway depot. Get on board. MEMO: Have your say. We welcome your comments about the depot and other local
issues. You may call Comment Line at any time: 446-2494.
by CNB