THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 29, 1995 TAG: 9501280075
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
LENGTH: Long : 129 lines
I was born and raised in Suffolk, the town I have fondly referred to as ``home'' during my travels in the U.S. and abroad.
I remember from my childhood several buildings that gave Suffolk an ``old towne'' feeling. I've seen such buildings in many eastern U.S. cities. These buildings stand tall and stately, unchanging during changing times. As Virginians, we are proud to claim these buildings as part of history, as part of who we are as Americans.
Sadly, I have seen the same old buildings other cities display with pride being torn down in Suffolk. It seems the need for newer buildings, parking lots, apartments, etc. are more important than ``some old outdated building.'' One by one, these buildings are being plucked from Suffolk's downtown. The charm Suffolk once held has been replaced with a dying, unattractive downtown the charm of these historical buildings, the city of Suffolk has little eye appeal to prospective business owners looking to relocate. It has little to offer tourists looking for a place to spend money. Other small Virginia towns, such as Wytheville, Abingdon, Bedford and Smithfield have kept their historic buildings and have prospered today as ``a must see charming town.''
Let's try harder to save what we do have. Let's keep and restore the CSX train station on Main Street. The station is one more claim to the past, evidence of roots that go deep in Southern heritage, evidence of generations of families that love Suffolk and the memories it holds.
Susan F. Babiy
When I ride by, I think of the many times I rode to Ports-mouth and took the ferry over to Norfolk for the day. It brings back many fond memories.
Betty C. Pretlow
As a lifelong resident of Suffolk, and having grown up on Clay Street, the old train station is part of my earliest memories. It has been my hope for many years the station would be restored and used for a worthy civic purpose, and that is still my hope.
John D. Eure Jr.
The plight of the station reminds us of two situations involving train stations: the tearing down of the N&W station in Bluefield, W.Va., and the continuing dismay of residents who were unable to save this unique building; and the restoration of the station in Huntington, W.Va., into a restaurant and outstanding historic landmark. Suffolk has a choice. May we choose the Huntington route?
Carolyn Coffman
I grew up in Suffolk (and have) wonderful memories of the city market and its unique architecture. It makes me sick at heart to think of the opportunities that existed with such a beautiful and historic building, only to watch it bulldozed to make room for a dime store. We have allowed businesses and homes to be demolished, and these wonderful monuments to our ancestors are lost forever.
Please, let's do everything possible to assure yet another piece of Suffolk's history is not demolished.
Jerry P. Powell
When the station was in operation and passenger trains were running a regular schedule, I would at times ride to see some kin or even go as far as Florida.
This depot was one of the most vital links of transportation to the city of Suffolk, especially during the development and growth of old Nansemond and the central city.
I could not imagine having a piece of history such as this destroyed. The history, old trains and the folks who made this area what it is today should never be forgotten.
John H. West
I grew up on North Main Street and passed by the station each day as I walked to school, church and town. I waited for the train that took my mother and me on short trips to Boykins to visit family there. My father even confessed years ago to smoking his first cigarette on the premises.
We must not take these treasures for granted anymore. . . . We need to band together to accomplish this goal and the many others that need attention.
Barbara N. McPhail
This building is an architectural treasure for our city, and we even have a painting of it in our office.
Christine B. Young
My family and I moved to Suffolk just four months ago; we were thrilled to see the old train station every time we drove through town - it added a touch of quaintness and history to a town sorely in need of charm. Of course, we were very saddened when it burned and it seem symbolic to me; no one cares about Suffolk - just let the town die and build up the suburbs.
But then, much to my surprise, I heard a group was forming to save the train station. I know this endeavor must be time-consuming and perhaps frustrating; I want to say thank you for the important work. I can only hope it will come to fruition.
Peggy DuBois
I have very fond recollections of the station as I went to school in Bristol, Va., and had to take the old ``Pocohontas'' to get there. I remember ``waiting for the train'' over 59 years ago.
Helen B. Holland
Suffolk has a classic. Let's keep it.
Peter D. Pruden, III
Alas, we in Suffolk have lost too, too many significant and historic buildings to the ravages of the bulldozer. Not only for ourselves but also for future generations must we leave a visible history, that that era did indeed exist.
Pearl B. Harrell
The station is one of the last remnants of a bygone era. . . . It's nice to see a reminder of a slower time in our not-so-distant past. Let's keep the CSX train station!
Daniel M. Babiy
Years from how, what will be standing there - a beautiful turn-of-the- century building . . . in a revived and bustling Old Towne, or just another convenience store in an ever-decaying center of our city?
David G. LaShells
and K. Denise ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Early photo of the Seaboard Passenger and Freight Station,
photographer unknown.
Snow surrounds the old station in this watercolor by Nat Thompson.
by CNB