Adirondack Railroad gets grant for rail-car renovation

UTICA, N.Y. — The John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, which operates the Adirondack Railroad, to make renovations to one of its passenger cars, the organization announced.

The railcar, once renovated, will be used for service throughout the railroad’s entire route between Utica and Tupper Lake.

“We are grateful for the belief in our railroad demonstrated by the trustees of this fund established by the late Mr. Emery, a native of Chicago and a lover of the classic passenger trains of America,” Adirondack Railroad President and General Manager Frank Kobliski said in a release. “Mr. Emery’s desire to support preservation of the passenger experience from the “Golden Age” of railroading has been of benefit to many historic endeavors throughout the country. The focus of this grant is consistent with his philanthropic legacy.”

The Adirondack Railroad will use the funds to refurbish the interior of the car into a configuration reminiscent of classic “parlor cars” operated by many railroads in the first half of the 20th century including new interior walls, windows, lighting, and furniture.

As a subsidiary of the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, Inc., the Adirondack Railroad operates the longest scenic rail route east of the Mississippi River. It is a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization and has served more than 1.8 million passengers since 1992.