Wantagh Railroad Complex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wantagh Railroad Complex
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The old Wantagh Station, with an old Railroad Crossing sign, and LIRR Parlor Car.
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1700 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York |
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| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Built | 1885 |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001716 |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1983 |
The Wantagh Railroad Complex, also known as the Wantagh Museum, is a special place in Wantagh, New York. It's a group of old buildings and train items that show what train travel was like a long time ago.
The main part of the museum is the old Wantagh Railroad Station. This station was built in 1885. It was moved from its original spot in 1966. This happened when the train tracks of the Babylon Branch were lifted higher off the ground. The 1885 station replaced an even older station from 1867. The complex also has an old diamond-shaped railroad crossing sign and a crossing gate.
Contents
History of the Wantagh Railroad Museum
Why the Station Was Saved
In the middle of the 1900s, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) was making big changes. They were updating their train lines in Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties. This meant lifting the tracks higher and building new, modern stations. Many old stations from the Victorian era were being torn down.
People in Wantagh were worried their historic station would be destroyed. So, in 1965, a group called the Wantagh Preservation Society was formed. They wanted to save the station.
Moving and Restoring the Station
Even though the society couldn't keep the station right next to the tracks, they did save it. In 1966, the station was moved a few blocks north. It went to a spot where an old amusement park used to be. The station was then carefully fixed up between 1969 and 1972.
Adding to the Museum's Collection
In 1972, the LIRR gave the museum a special gift: a 1912 parlor car. This fancy train car was named "The Jamaica." It had a sunroom, a kitchen, and an old-fashioned air conditioning system that used ice.
Across from the station, there's also a small building that was built in 1907. This building was Wantagh's official post office until the mid-1920s.
Opening to the Public
The old station officially opened as a museum in 1982. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 30, 1983. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Images for kids
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The former 1907-built Wantagh Post Office.
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A historic plaque on Wantagh Avenue.
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The original Post Office building with a historical marker.
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Parlor car #2000, also known as 'The Jamaica'.
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An old diamond-shaped railroad crossing sign.
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The 1912 Parlor Car, 'The Jamaica'.
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Another view of the original Post Office shack.
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