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There was a time when Wheeling was known for its railroads. Trains of all sizes and models made their way through the Friendly City's streets. The once busy B&O Rail Station was a hub for visitors coming and going to and from Wheeling.
During and after World War II, the station saw the return of its military troops who served their country. My own father recalled the day he came home on a train that deposited him in the city that he loved. His love for trains stayed with him all his life. He would be pleased to know that his great-grandson Deacon shares that passion through real and model trains.
My husband saw and heard trains daily for many years as they lumbered past his South Wheeling childhood home. However, the passenger service through Wheeling saw its demise years ago.
While just memories now, I couldn't help but wonder if the loss of those rail services were made in haste. Some say passenger rail travel became less popular with the advent of expanded air travel and faster cars. Today, walkers, runners and bicyclists enjoy the paths once laden with train tracks and rail cars in our city.
Recently I had the opportunity to catch an Amtrak train in Pittsburgh and travel to Altoona, Pa. My husband and I and some neighbor friends caught the train early in the morning and arrived in Altoona mid-morning. We were there to catch the famed refurbished 1941 Union Pacific Big Boy Locomotive 4014 as it made a stop in Altoona for visitors to see up close. (See story on this page.)
I was intrigued to make my first ride on an Amtrak train. There is something so less formal about train travel than that of traveling by air. For one thing, there is much more leg and headroom on an Amtrak. Moving about the train can be tricky but is pretty common as passengers can visit a cafe car and purchase food and beverages. Sleeping accommodations also are available for longer trips.
The train has windows large enough to make for a more enjoyable trip watching the landscape pass by. On this particular ride, I viewed parts of Pittsburgh and beyond that I would not have been able to see any other way.
On the return trip to Pittsburgh, the train was crowded with passengers coming from busy areas including New York City. As a result we had to find any open seats and could not all sit together.
However, that proved to be a delightful experience as I was seated next to a lovely lady. We hit it off right away talking about our various interests. She was a retired college English and literature professor from a Penn State branch location.
Needless to say, we shared quite a few opinions on education, the use of AI, religion and even grandchildren. Between exchanges, we simply allowed the rhythm of the train and the shrill of its whistle to lull us to a peaceful state of mind.
All in all, my first experience on an Amtrak ride through Pennsylvania was more than I imagined. I hope to do it again, somewhere, sometime,
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.