Visitors to Train Car Park in Port Jefferson Station on Sept. 22 were all aboard for a trip back in time.
The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce hosted an Antique Train Car Open House along with open mic and karaoke performances. In addition to enjoying music from local residents, attendees were invited inside the park’s 1920s MTA train car. The event was the first to celebrate its 100th year.
Jeff Kito, the chamber’s facilities director, was on hand to provide collages of letters, photos and proclamations that traced the history of the decommissioned baggage car that once traveled from Jamaica to Manhattan. The landmark now doubles as the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce headquarters.
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) also attended and was happy to discuss the history of the train car and park with residents. Englebright, during his first tenure as a legislator in the 1980s, advocated for several small county-owned parcels to be added to town properties to create the park.
“I pass here all the time but I’ve never been inside,” said Port Jefferson Station resident Kyle Jackson. With his hand on his heart and his family in tow, he added, “I love trains, and I love Long Island history. This is a treat.”
Englebright said he loved meeting new faces and sharing the train car’s history.
“Sharing these lessons about our community’s history with new generations is what allows us to continue to foster an ongoing sense of place and belonging,” the legislator said.
