In terms of national visibility and legacy, it stands as the most renowned single tribute in Tamaqua’s 224 years. And recognizing that importance, many wanted to be part.

On Thursday evening, 500 turned out at 18 N. Railroad St. to celebrate the first day issuance of a national postage stamp honoring the town’s restored train station, hub of the community.

The turnout surprised planners.

“We were expecting 300 and we’re way past that. I’ve never seen this place so crowded,” said Jack Kulp, Tamaqua Area Community Partnership volunteer.

“We wanted this to be a town celebration,” explained Micah Gursky of the TACP.

“This is a huge honor,” said Mary Linkevich of borough council, on hand with her father, Joe.

The day long celebration began at 8:30 a.m. at the East Broad Street post office where hundreds of stamps were sold to customers. Each sheet, or pane, costs $12.60 and includes Tamaqua’s and four other depots across the country.

As a 63 cent forever stamp, it will always be valid for mailing a one-ounce, first-class letter.

Five hours prior to the Tamaqua celebration, the United States Postal Service conducted a formal issue ceremony at the 1933 Union Terminal depot in Cincinnati, OH. Three other stations similarly honored are the 1875 Point of Rocks Station in Maryland; the 1901 Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia; and 1918 Santa Fe Station in San Bernardino, California.

The series is called “Historic Railroad Stations of the United States.”

Why Tamaqua?

According to postal officials, the selection by the USPS can be attributed to the depot’s architecture, historical significance, and return to prominence in the community.

“Vision, hard work and dedication have risen this station from the ashes,” said Beth Trexler, Tamaqua postmaster.

The depot is a center of activity and serves as a visitors center for Schuylkill County and Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area.

The deteriorating structure was endangered and a victim of arson fire before being saved in August 1992. It ultimately was restored by 2004 at a cost of $1.5 million, funds generated in part through a broad, volunteer-driven, collaborative effort. Among the principals were Tamaqua Save Our Station, Tamaqua Historical Society, Tamaqua Area Community Partnership (then called the 2004 Partnership), Tamaqua Borough, then state Rep. David Argall and citizens of the greater Tamaqua area. Many residents donated funds or purchased engraved commemorative bricks that today line the walkway.

The structure, a strong contributing resource to the Tamaqua National Historic District, is regarded as one of the first depots in a nonmetropolitan setting to offer travelers a full-service restaurant.

Architecture

The station was constructed in Victorian style with subtle Italianate influences. It includes elaborate marble fireplaces, chandeliers and bold, heavy crown moldings and matching wainscot borders. The building features eight separate chimneys. The site hosts a restored restaurant and a gift shop.

Its grandeur was intended to reflect the town’s status as a railroad hub and vital commerce center of the Southern Anthracite coal region.

The depot played a significant role during a period of turmoil and tragedy associated with early labor unrest.

In the 1870s, bodies of alleged Molly Maguires were stored inside, on ice, awaiting burial following state execution. These included the body of reputed Molly leader John “Black Jack” Kehoe. He was buried on the Mahanoy Street side of Old St. Jerome’s Cemetery.

In its day, the depot and restaurant was visited by Vaudeville performers, Big Band celebrities, and minstrel show performers. In 1946, songstress Doris Day was photographed sitting on the depot’s main concourse.

The depot was shuttered in 1963 when passenger service was discontinued. It remained neglected for years and was heavily damaged by arson before finally being saved. After an all-out drive to rebuild, the depot was completely restored by 2004.

Reaction

State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, master of ceremonies, said the project was overwhelmingly popular from its inception.

“A poll taken showed that 95 percent of the population wanted to save the station.”

Dan Evans, chairman, Tamaqua CRIZ Authority, characterized the essential importance of the depot.

“There are three constants. There is the station. There are the rails. And there are the people of Tamaqua.”

Attendee Joan Tracy Jones of Schuylkill Haven, a Tamaqua native, said the national distinction by the post office means a lot to her family.

“My grandkids can be proud of the town they were born in.”

In a moving moment, Linda Heigele, longtime volunteer treasurer of Tamaqua SOS, told the crowd that the stamp fulfills a prophecy of late SOS president Ken Smulligan.

“Kenny would be so proud. He always said he wanted to put the station on the map. And now it is.”