The former Lehigh and New England Railroad Station in Lansford was a hub of activity this past weekend, welcoming a group of rail enthusiasts Saturday and hosting an open house Sunday.

Thirty members of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society toured the former passenger and freight station along Dock Street as they traced the route of the railroad from the Lehigh Valley, said Bruce Markovich, borough council president and Lansford Historical Society vice president.

The group spent more than an hour viewing a large display of Lehigh and New England Railroad artifacts on display from the Lansford and Tamaqua historical societies, he said.

The group also shared additional information on the role the Lansford station played during World War II, shuttling troops from the West Coast to New York City aboard the famous Williamsporter Express, Markovich said.

On Sunday, the station hosted 92 visitors - a mix of local residents and visitors to Jim Thorpe - during an open house, he said.

The Lansford Historical Society provided tours and gave visitors a brief history of the station, Markovich said. The visitors also had a chance to view and comment on possible future uses of the complex, he said.

They all look forward to seeing the remaining architectural features that will be uncovered during the upcoming renovation, Markovich said.