A volunteer group that purchased a dilapidated Tamaqua train station 22 years ago and rallied the community to preserve and restore it was recognized by the state Tuesday.

Officers of Tamaqua Save Our Station accepted proclamations by thePennsylvania House and Senate on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the unveiling of the 1874 Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Passenger Depot, held Aug. 1, 2004. Stabilization began some 25 years ago, leading ultimately to historically accurate restoration.Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, who sponsored the Senate proclamation and helped facilitate the depot project, said many factors were part of the success, including early funding that helped launch the $1.5 million overhaul. In addition, continuing community support and countless volunteer hours also were vital components.The Senate proclamation congratulates SOS for achieving "a special milepost in its proud history."State Rep. Jerry P. Knowles, R-124, presented a House of Representatives proclamation sponsored by him that acknowledges the achievement of SOS in engineering a project that contributes to the betterment of the community and "ultimately all the citizens of the Commonwealth."SOS spearheaded the task of salvaging the building and energizing the community to embrace the concept of landmark restoration, an idea that sounded almost preposterous after the building had been torched by vandals and was facing demolition.The SOS effort was headed by a community leader, Tamaqua businessman Kenneth Smulligan, who passed away in September 2013.A full story examining the Tamaqua depot and its re-emergence as the hub of the town will appear in Friday's Times News.