08/02/2024
Update on the freight house…
No doubt you’ve heard the expression “the little engine that could”. Well, this historic freight house at the Ambler train station is “the building that could”. It could overcome demolition because of you! It was built in 1855, moved across Butler Avenue and added on to in 1879, and now 145 years later is on the move again. SEPTA has determined that the building must go because the culvert below it is crumbling. The local historical society and a few dedicated residents have come together to raise funds to move the building. Because of SEPTA’s tight time constraints, the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society has contracted with Hartland Restoration Company to carefully take the building apart piece by piece, number and catalog everything and store it safely until a new permanent location and a new purpose can be meticulously identified. Who knows what it could be next? Maybe an information center, maybe an ice cream parlor or maybe the centerpiece for a Music Venue. But if we dispose of the freight house today, we not only throw away a central piece of Ambler’s history, we destroy its chance to be a part of Ambler’s abiding future.
Your support keeps this engine moving. Please make your tax-deductible contribution by clicking below or by sending a check directly to the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society www.wvalleyhs.org at PO Box 96 Ambler PA 19002.
If you make a donation in person at any of the following locations, you will received a fine chocolate bar created exclusively for this project by Lore’s Chocolates of Philadelphia. The Ambler Theater ~ Pie and Plate Cafe ~ Studio Ambler
https://www.wvalleyhs.org/donate/