“All Aboard Ellwood” Comes Rolling In

A local group that calls themselves “All Aboard Ellwood” began 3 years ago in hopes to be able to commemorate Ellwood City’s once thriving railroad industry. The community focused volunteer group was able obtain a piece of property at the corner of Fifth Street and Spring Avenue which started the next phase of their plain; gaining a rail car of some type or a replica of a historical railroad building. When the group realized it was further away from the existing tracks, the property was sold and the profit they made from it was planned to be used to further their plan.

“(We want) to create a Cultural Zone in Ellwood City,” said volunteer Ray Santillo. “(and) enlarge the cultural setting (of Ellwood).”

The group has three main phases to their plan, all of which need the communities help to reach and push through.

Phase One is all about finding a place to house the train cars and such. The plan is to use “seed money” from the sale of the 5th Street property so they can house a CSX donated caboose that is going to be transported from Richmond Virginia to Ellwood. B&P track personal have already offered, along with Ellwood Borough Management, to build the platform that the caboose would rest on. There is already an offered piece of land near 4th St. and Lawrence Ave. The property fits the scope of Phase One as a potential museum, rented office space, etc.

“We wanted to try and start with connecting (the history) with the railroad and how it helped the success of Ellwood City,” said Vice Chairperson Nick Genova.

Phase Two and Three are all about finding more property to expand the idea of creating a Cultural Zone. All Aboard Ellwood would like to have more places to hold railroad memorabilia, railroad exhibits, and a hall to host meetings, speakers, and events. It’d also be used to host model train and memorabilia shows.

“Ellwood City is in the middle of everything (in the county),” said Santillo. “We feel like we have a lot of good things going on.”

Santillo also mentioned that with new businesses like Chive and National Grind are “booming” and that they’d like to “do our part” in creating a more ‘downtown’ feeling in Ellwood for the community. Genova also mentioned the idea of possibly getting a running locomotive to be able to use to give rides around town during the Christmas festival season as well as to use during the summertime Arts and Crafts Festival.

If you’d like to get involved with creating this dream, check out the form below on how to donate to the cause. For more information, please call 724-504-2124 or 724-333-6623.