All aboard: new Lewes railroad station dedicated
It’s the latest ode to the days when passenger and freight trains rumbled through Lewes.
The new Lewes Junction Railroad Station was dedicated at a ceremony Jan. 27. The faux station is located next to the Lewes Public Library, just steps from the big red caboose.
The station was five years in the making. It was a joint project between the library, Lewes in Bloom, Art in Bloom and the Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission. Schell Brothers put up the money to build it.
Ed Zygmonski, co-chair of Art in Bloom, said the paintings on the outside are examples of steampunk art, which is defined as a blend of industrial era and Victorian design.
Zygmonski said the art will be changed periodically.
The caboose is the centerpiece of the Lewes Junction Railroad and Bridge Association’s contribution, which plans to add a locomotive, passenger car and other railroad memorabilia to the area they call Lewes Junction Park.
The railroad displays are part of a larger, long-term vision plan for Stango Park, which is on Kings Highway at the gateway to the the city.
Plans include an outdoor entertainment pavilion on the library’s property. The city wants to rebuild the concert stage behind the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center.
The faux station covers the library’s power generator and other equipment.
Zygmonski said the station is about 95% complete, with just some artwork to be finished on the back wall.
He said Lewes is Bloom will plant flowers in the courtyard between the station and the library.
