ALPL unveils 'Union Station: Tracks Through Time 1897-2007'         

[OCT. 3, 2006]  SPRINGFIELD -- To coincide with the opening of the newly restored Union Station, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library unveiled its latest exhibit on Friday. The "Union Station: Tracks Through Time 1897-2007" exhibit showcases original train station artifacts, period photos and original construction drawings -- all highlighting the unique and rich history of Union Station. The exhibit will run through early 2007, the expected completion date of renovations at Union Station.

"The delight of this exhibit is really in the details," said Gwen Podeschi, reference librarian of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. "Members of the Exhibits Committee were struck by the architectural drawings, especially knowing that these were executed by the hands of the architects involved and not produced by a computer program. So many visitors have been curious about all the activity going on around Union Station, and we're hoping to answer some questions about the renovation project, what its history is and what is in store for it now. The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the ALPL are giving the city of Springfield a visual treat with Union Station."

Renovation of the historic station, built in 1898, began in May 2006. Once finished, Union Station, adjacent to Union Square Park, will serve as a gateway to the Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library Complex, as well as other historic sites in and around downtown Springfield. It will be home to a visitor center, as well as office and meeting space.

Interior and exterior renovation of Union Station includes replacing the clay-tile roof, new windows, new plaster, painting, opening up the passenger platforms and replacing the 140-foot clock tower. Recreating the clock tower is the featured aspect of the project. When completed, it will have four working clock faces. The tower was an original element of the station but was removed in 1946.

Among the over 100 artifacts on display from Union Station are:

• Original architectural drawings and blueprints.

• Passenger tickets from various trains coming through Union Station.

• Baggage tags.

• Historic photos.

Other unique items displayed are items from the Pullman Train Company, founded by George M. Pullman in 1867. The Pullman Company leased luxury sleeping cars it built to railroads and provided complete services on them, supplying porters, conductors, dining staff, food and linens -- a true "home away from home." Known also for the 1894 Pullman strike by the workers in the "company town" that George Pullman built, the Pullman Palace Car Company counted among its past executives Robert Todd Lincoln, who succeeded George Pullman as president of the company in 1898, the year Springfield Union Station opened for traffic. The Illinois Central Rail Road -- using Pullman passenger cars -- was the main passenger carrier to and from Union Station for over 60 years.

Items on display from this collection include:

• Model Pullman cars.

• Pullman dinnerware and silverware.

• Porter and conductor photos, keys, and booklets.

• Upholstery and carpeting samples.

• Sleeping and hygiene accessories.

Items in many of the cases for the exhibit are on loan from the Historic Sites Division of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Additional items are from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library collection.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; and closed Sunday.

[Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum news release]