Family Observations

 

Family Observations

One of my faithful readers recently inquired why I didn't write about myself.
Following is an introspection about what I've shared with family and friends.

For me, with a son and daughter (who both live several miles from me), we share telephone calls...e-mails...and written messages of joy, peace and occasionally with sadness and regrets.
“Like Mother...Like Son: are a few notations we have shared.

New Amtrak Station in Niagara Falls (written 2015) Since using Amtrak from Niagara Falls, we quickly discovered that the existing station is horrible ~ particularly for being in Niagara Falls. It is actually a converted freight warehouse in a rail yard. Although known for decades, they have always wanted a better station..By comparison, the VIA station, less than a mile away...over the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge...although a legacy station is right on the Niagara Parkway...,a 2-minute walk from the gorge...and a major attraction (Whitewater Boardwalk) and a pleasant walk to the Falls itself.'

The Amtrak Station is in a very bad location ~ and the city has been trying to improve it since 1986.
They received some Federal money invested in transportation infrastructure...and are using it to build a fabulous new train station right on Whirlpool Street at the lip of the gorge. And, being a border point, they have customs inspection and border security built right in. The location is far more exciting for first time visitors ~ as they will be able to see the gorge from the station itself...which is a reasonable walk to Niagara Falls State Park.

Another great thing they are doing is respecting the local history of the exact physical spot.. The Whirlpool Rapids Bridge is the oldest operating bridge in Niagara...and being at the narrowest part of the gorge was the location of the first bridge over the gorge...which in the 1840's, the Falls ran at full flow of 200.000 cs ...and the Whirlpool Rapids, even now a Class 6, was twice as violent then.

It was to this very footbridge that Underground Railroad Conductors escorted fugitive slaves before the Civil War. The bridge and the raging river waters below, were so intimidating that the conductors were known to carry shotguns to literally force the fugitives across the bridge to freedom. So, the new railroad station has a museum dedicated to that very significant piece of local history!

Amtrak currently operates 3 trains a day between New York City and Niagara Falls (Empire Service) with the first of the 3 (Maple Leaf) crossing the bridge with continuing service to Toronto.

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Other issues to follow as observed by my son. The Merry Widow...Northwest Passage...How Sharon Cut the Sandwiches.....Aunt Jemima...and Sky Screamer. (Enjoy these upcoming reads)

Compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr...July 18, 2020
Your views appreciated: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

“My family is my life ~ and everything else comes second as what's important to me.

(Unknown Author)