| September at the Heritage Discovery Center started our with our normal housekeeping, archiving and ground keeping chores. Stephan Kocsis did most of the work and as always could use more help. But the activity at the end of the month really required "reinforcements!" That said, below is "some" of the work accomplished. Replacing Ceiling Tiles in HDC: Now that all of the leaks in the roof, walls and windows has been addressed, ceiling tiles again need to be replaced. Work on the main conference room area was not started and will probably resume later due to lack of help and outside projects. Archives: Quotes have been obtained for shelving to organize the Pittsburg, Shawmut & Northern, Buffalo and Susquehanna, Buffalo Creek and Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railway records in Room 211. Funding is being sought for them, and so far $1,000 has been pledged. The total investment needed is about $3,750 (including shipping). We are looking for used shelving locally, but its tough to find the right sizes so far. Building 75 and Area A & B: Work to be done includes sorting and palletizing tie plates, recovering spikes and sorting them. We cut much of the lawn but the area around Bldg 75 still needs trimming. Bldg 85 overhead garage door has been temporarily fixed, but still needs a permanent solution. Steel Plant Museum Bethlehem Steel Sign: No definite date to complete the repair on the lettering as of yet. HDC Grounds Improvements: No word yet from Norm Merriman of Tom Greenauer Site Contractor for paving on the HDC grounds. Schedule TBD. HDC Internet: Sent a letter (email) to Senator Tim Kennedy’s office asking for Digital Equity, so far, no reply. HDC/WNYRHS to participate in this years "Forever Young Expo": on Thursday, October 26th 2023. We will exhibit at the event from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm to gain exposure for the HDC, our events like the November Train and Toy Show and to seek volunteers. This is part of the services gained from our parking lot rentals. |
| WNYRHS September 21st Public Meeting: Founding Trustee Devan Lawton put on a fantastic program highlighting his 3200 mile trip from Buffalo to the West Coast 52 years ago in September of 1971 on board the famous "Flying Scotsman." In 1969, a uniquely British steam locomotive named the "Flying Scotsman" began an epic tour across the US and Canada. After winter storage in Toronto, the 4-6-2 Pacific Type steam locomotive came to Buffalo in the summer of 1971. This is where Devan’s story began. Everyone had a very enjoyable time. |
| WNY National Model Railroad Aassociation Public Meeting: On September 23rd, the WNYRHS Presented an Encore "Buffalo Creek" Railroad Program for the NMRS. The “Buffalo Creek” Book was available for sale. To date, we have sold 10 of the 12 copies ordered. We will reorder another dozen books for the November 2023 Train Show. Order forms are available at HDC for anyone wanting to order in advance of the show. |
 "(c)2023 Stephan Kocsis - One of three bookcases from the Steven Grabiec Library. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
Doctor Steven Grabiec Library Donation: On September 26th, Hugh Guilluame, Mickey Shaw, Bruce Heatly, Bob Panczyk and Stephen Kocsis moved the books from the Steven Grabiec library in Niagara Falls, NY., to the HDC. Roughly one thousand titles, in 41 Bankers Boxes were moved. |  "(c)2023 Stephan Kocsis - Two of three bookcases from the Steven Grabiec Library. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
 "(c)2023 Stephan Kocsis - Three of three bookcases from the Steven Grabiec Library. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
The WNYRHS purchased his 3 book cases for $300.00 to hold the collection. As a unexpected bonus, we were given a converted gun case that we will use to display and secure operating equipment for our Bethlehem Steel model railroad layout. We still need help to transport the three bookcases to the HDC. |  "(c)2023 Stephan Kocsis - Entire collection and donated gun case in the pickup truck. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
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Archer Daniels Midland Co. Donation: On September 28th, ADM transported their remaining big artifacts of the "Great_Northern_Elevator" to the HDC. Iroquois Bar Corp., parent company of Iroquois Trucking of Lackawanna, delivered two flatbed truckloads of Great Northern artifacts, to the HDC. "Winters Rigging" of North Collins, New York, was on hand at the HDC to unload the semi-trailers. Click the photo of the "Great Northern Elevator" on the left, to read about how this happened in one exciting day! |
| And if all this activity wasn't enough, two days later, on Saturday the 30th, we held our 3rd Annual "Fall Car Show 2023" at the HDC. Almost 140 cars were on display making this our most successful show to date. The weather was perfect and and everyone had a great time. Hot Dogs, pop and snacks kept visitors and exhibitors happy. Click the Flyer to read and see more about this event. |
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 "(c)2023 Joe Kocsis Jr. - New caulking on the concrete panel joints at the rear of the HDC. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
Last year, with the assistance of a $200,000 grant from the Margaret Wendt Foundation, we were able to replace the roof on the museum building. To complete the renovation of the museum, all that was left to do was to renew the caulking on the concrete panel joints and windows as the nearly 40-year-old caulking had deteriorated allowing water to seep into the building. |
 "(c)2023 Joe Kocsis Jr. - Window joints on the left end of the HDC being caulked. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
On June 16th 2023, with the help of a $39,000 grant from the Erie County Cultural Capital Grant program, "Presto Restoration Services" began the work to renew the old deteriorated caulking. They first needed to remove all the old caulk from the concrete panel seams and window frames and then apply the new sealant. This will complete the weatherization of museum building that has long been needed to be done since we purchased the building. |  "(c)2023 Joe Kocsis Jr. - Two crews from \"Presto Property Services\" working on the wall and windows. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
| Thursday, May 18th, 2023 Public Meeting - After a brief business meeting, we will be kicking off our celebration of the 100th Birthday of our PRR I1sa 2-10-0 Steam Locomotive #4483. The locomotive was built in May 1923 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase during the meeting. Doors open at 6:00pm, with the meeting starting at 7:00pm. The Railroad and Steel Plant Museums will be open before, during, and after the meeting. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted! Please park in the lot at the rear of the Heritage DiscoveRY Center Buffalo at 100 Lee St., and enter through the middle rear door. (Follow the ENTRANCE signs!) Wheelchair access is via the front doors on Lee St. Questions? 716-821-9360 or info@hdcbuffalo.org |
 "(c)2023 Otto Vondrak - Front entrance to the Heritage DiscoveRY Center Buffalo, NY. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
On Saturday April 29th, Stephan Kocsis, Curator of the Heritage Discovery Center, hosted a bus tour group of 26 members, from the "Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum." They were given a full tour of the HDC and grounds. After a brief history of the HDC, the R&GVRRM members were free to explore the WNYRHS and Steel Plant Museum displays, our Archives and Library and our rolling stock. Everyone was very impressed with our displays and extensive historical archives. Upon leaving the museum, the group was headed for our Orchard Park Depot. |
 "(c)2023 Otto Vondrak - Waiting platform sign from Buffalo Central Terminal. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
 "(c)2023 Otto Vondrak - Bell and Number plate from PRR I1sa #4483. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
 "(c)2023 Otto Vondrak - Many displays in the WNYRHS part of the HDC. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
 "(c)2023 Otto Vondrak - Museum curator, Stephan Kocsis in the HDC extensive library. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
 "(c)2023 Otto Vondrak - Heritage Discovery Center research library. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
 "(c)2023 Otto Vondrak - HO Scale model railroad of the Bethlehem Steel Plant. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
 "(c)2023 Otto Vondrak - Steel Plant Museum displays. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
 "(c)2023 Otto Vondrak - Iconic signs from the steel plant. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
 "(c)2023 Otto Vondrak - More display cases in the Steel Plant Museum part of the HDC. - CLICK to Enlarge") |
 "(c)2023 Otto Vondrak - Penzoil Tank Car in the HDC \"yard.\". - CLICK to Enlarge") |
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With the devastating "Snovember 2.0" snow storm last November forcing the cancellation of our 41st November Train Show, it was time for our WNYRHS 32nd Annual Winter Train & Toy Show at the Event Center on the Fairgrounds in Hamburg, New York, February 18th and 19th, 2023. Over 4000 Dads, Moms and Kids of all ages enjoyed the variety of items to see and buy. Over 425 tables full of great railroad, model railroad, vintage toys and more! Five layouts - Two "HO" gauge. one "N" gauge, one "O" gauge and one "S" gauge running trains on both days. Queen City Amusements was there with their carnival layout. The Williamsville Lehigh Valley Depot crew is ready had their ever popular basket raffle. Speakers and demonstrators were lined up for both days of the event. There is ample free parking and Admission is only $8.00 , KIDS 12 and under are FREE! Hours: Saturday - 10am to 5pm, Sunday - 10am to 4pm. |
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Thursday, February 19th, 2023 Public Meeting - Annual Members Meeting and Trustee Election. After a brief business meeting, including updates from the various WNYRHS departments. Our February program will include the annual election of the WNYRHS Trustees, followed by a members' "Slide Night." Multi-Media equipment will be on hand. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase during the meeting. Doors open at 6:00pm, with the meeting starting at 7:00pm. The Railroad and Steel Plant Museums will be open before, during, and after the meeting. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted! Please park in the lot at the rear of the Heritage DiscoveRY Center Buffalo at 100 Lee St., and enter through the middle rear door. (Follow the ENTRANCE signs!) Wheelchair access is via the front doors on Lee St. Questions? 716-821-9360 or info@hdcbuffalo.org |
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The WNYHDC, Inc. 100 Lee Street, Buffalo, NY. 14210 is an independent organization and has no affiliation with any other local or national group.
The Heritage Center is a fully qualified organization under 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and all donations to the HDC are tax deductible.
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