by nyandw
Bethpage burned down in 1959 as per this item. Anyone can verify/collaborate this event?
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MACTRAXX wrote: ↑Sat Jul 13, 2019 11:50 amFrom what I remember the station buildings at Bethpage, Wyandanch and Central Islip were built in 1958.All three were of similar design which was 1950s utilitarian - only the Bethpage Station building remains.My suspicions, also. I posted this to to indicate the nonsense that is at times on the net.
This is the first time that I read any mention that the older Bethpage Station building burned down.One way to clarify when these three station buildings were built would be to view copies of "LI Railroader"from the years 1957-58-59 and see if there was any articles that mention the construction of either of
these three stations - and the reason each was replaced.MACTRAXX
MACTRAXX wrote: ↑Tue Jul 16, 2019 5:48 pm Steve:Good stuff. I was busy on this also: New Bethpage Station: http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/bethpage/bethpage.htm 25% down the page material.
I visited RMLI this past week and checked out the copies of LI Railroader that they have and found two
mentions of Bethpage Station - which was built in 1957. The two dates are those of the LI Railroader
issues that I found this information in:
November 21, 1956-New station to be built at Bethpage...First step removal of freight track west of Stewart
Avenue allowing extension of the eastbound platform. Relocating Maiden Lane on the westbound side for the
new building replacing a 75 year old wooden structure (1881?) on the eastbound side. The new building will
cost $26,000 paid for by the Town of Oyster Bay and the LIRR. Bethpage will have platforms on both sides of
the two tracks between Stewart Avenue and Broadway.
July 3, 1957-Ground is broken at Bethpage for "modern" station building. Attending the ceremony was LIRR
President T.M. Goodfellow, Oyster Bay Supervisor Lewis N. Waters and OB Town Councilman James Norman
(represents the Bethpage area). The new 54' by 14' building to be completed by mid October. The dedication
of the building was to be during Bethpage's 21st Anniversary Celebration of the name change from Central
Park (1936).
Someone should let Kira Moon know about exactly when Bethpage Station dates from - it was 1957 and the
station replacement was a planned demolition and not from the result of a 1959 fire...MACTRAXX
BuddR32 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 19, 2019 12:19 am A lot of fanfare for a very drab, rather ugly shoebox of a building.R32: That was the mentality back then - that newer was going to be better.
fender52 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 20, 2019 8:50 am Wasn't this around the same time that they started to tear down a lot of the old stations like the Hamptons and some on the Main Line?F52: Yes...According to mention in Ron Ziel's book "Steel Rails to the Sunrise" the LIRR asked all three
BuddR32 wrote: A lot of fanfare for a very drab, rather ugly shoebox of a building.Is it possible to build a new station building situated across the street where the current platforms are ?
MACTRAXX wrote: ↑Fri Jul 19, 2019 11:06 amThat was the mentality back then - that newer was going to be better. The Bethpage Station was a prime example of 1950s Utilitarian architecture that still stands today.Remember the term "Architectual Graveyard"? 1950s Utilitarian structures were the epitome of this.Also: Far Rockaway (1958)
newkirk wrote: ↑Sat Jul 20, 2019 6:54 pmBM (and Everyone):BuddR32 wrote: A lot of fanfare for a very drab, rather ugly shoebox of a building.Is it possible to build a new station building situated across the street where the current platforms are ?
I feel since the platforms were moved west during the electrification process, a new station build really belongs there.
Then the LIRR can demolish that ugly cinder block palace and maybe provide a couple of parking spaces.
R36 Combine Coach wrote: ↑Sat Jul 20, 2019 8:56 pmAt that Far Rockaway is no longer in use. No water or gas service, and the gates are welded shut.MACTRAXX wrote: ↑Fri Jul 19, 2019 11:06 amThat was the mentality back then - that newer was going to be better. The Bethpage Station was a prime example of 1950s Utilitarian architecture that still stands today.Remember the term "Architectual Graveyard"? 1950s Utilitarian structures were the epitome of this.Also: Far Rockaway (1958)
Flushing Main Street (1958) - street level depot recently demolished
West Hempstead (1959)
Douglaston (1962)
Willets Point (1963 - built for World's Fair)
Glendale (Atlas Terminal) freight station