I’ve Been Working on the Railroad…..
Well……actually…..I’ve been sleeping……..in the railroad station…in Scranton, PA…during my recent trip to the east coast. I spent two splendid nights at the former Lackawanna Train Station, now the Radisson Hotel, getting a good night’s sleep and a history lesson about Scranton.
If you’ve been to Scranton, you know that it’s not the most “happening” place in the world.
In fact, I wouldn’t have come here except that I wanted to visit some people in the neighboring towns and this seemed like a central location. When I started out, I knew there wasn’t much there, but when I took a walk around town and did my usual interview of the locals for interesting sights to see, they all said,
“Have you been to the Radission? It’s the most interesting thing here. That’s pretty much it.”
They were right. But, after my few days, I would say that if this is your only claim to fame, it’s not too bad. You could certainly do much worse!
During my days in Scranton, I learned that, years ago, it was a bustling coal and iron-producing center. The area had an abundance of iron ore and boasted the largest stores of anthracite coal in the world. Based on this, the Scranton family, for whom the town is named, saw the possibilities for the town through the refinement of iron ore. So, they used their resources to develop iron mills. The mills went on to produce iron rails that would then be used for the development of railroads. Rails had previously been imported from England, so this presented a perfect opportunity for the town to thrive. The ensuing rails allowed for the organization of railroads in the area that would carry coal to the eastern seaboard. Rail routes were, then, developed between New York and Scranton that led to the development of a rail system and transportation of coal throughout United States.
Scranton became a center for rail transportation and hosted a number of developing railroad companies. In the mid-1800’s, they combined to form the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad.
The first train station was a simple wood structure. But, as the economy flourished, a new train station was envisioned whose design reflected the financial success of the town. Ground was broken in 1906 and the structure was dedicated in 1908. Over the coarse of time, the coal industry was diminished due to the development of newer and more efficient fuels and, with that, rail service diminished, as well, leading to the demise of the train station and the town. The station came into disrepair until the 1980’s when it was renovated as a tourism attraction in hopes that it would draw people to the area.
Most of the features of the French Renaissance designed building are original and are, themselves, works of art beginning with the exterior. It is built of Indiana limestone with 6 columns across the front. Above the front door is an 8 foot bronze clock.
The main entrance that once led to the waiting area, but now leads to a lobby and a formal open-air restaurant, is made with Formosa, an Italian marble with a pink and yellow tinge.
The grand lobby, which is 2 stories high, is captivating with its mosaic tile floor and marble walls….
The fountain was originally outside, but was brought inside during the renovation to protect it from the elements.
As you look up, you can see a rounded, vaulted ceiling made with original Tiffany glass…..
And, there is a series of 36 tile murals that ring the walls of the lobby, whose pictures reflect the various stops of the trains.
Just fantastic!
I spent some time in the bar, which was a part of the old train platform. There, I found 2 original crystal chandeliers that were sparkly and beautiful.
The drinks were sparkly and beautiful, too!
I had been to the hotel years ago for dinner. But, I had not really paid attention to the detail and the history of the old station. I’m glad I took another look. The stay in this hotel was the most unexpected delight of my whole trip!
Even more than the building itself, though, I loved meeting the people who were actually “working on the railroad”….or, better, in the railroad station…..the Radisson Hotel. They were outstanding! On my first day there, I was walking through the lobby snapping pictures. Before too long, one of the waitresses in the formal dining room came over and offered to give me a tour of her favorite spots in the hotel. I took her up on it.
Then, when I went into the bar, the bartender walked over and offered the same thing. His favorites were different from the waitress. One of them was this “vault” which was where the proceeds of the station were kept safe.
I ate breakfast in the small café and encountered a waiter and his manager who were entertaining, and whose goal it was to be sure I had a good breakfast, good company and some good nut brittle, a side business for the waiter. I was blown away by their kindness and attention. And, I was impressed that the management team supported the efforts of the waiter in his business endeavor.
I can honestly say that I have ever encountered a group of staff members who were more welcoming. But, it was the pride in their work and in the workplace itself that was so very notable. Each person had his own perspective on the history of the structure and had found his place among the artifacts. It was evident that they felt like more than just employees and found themselves to be a part of the story of the old train station.
So, this is where I will leave you….thinking about the sounds of trains clacking along the tracks, visions of the grandeur of the building and the allure of the stories that unfolded there.
All aboard……….
Travel With Betsy 
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