BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
MILLTOWN — The relocation of the last remaining structure of the Raritan River Railroad is in the process of proposals for moving the structure across the street.
“To date we have raised $19,600,” said Steve Gregus, member of the Milltown Historical Society, as he updated the Borough Council on the moving status in May.
Last year, members of the Raritan River Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society told borough officials that after six years of raising funds, they had enough funds to move and restore the structure.
The Raritan River Freight Station facing Washington Avenue was originally constructed as a passenger station and station’s agent office about 100 years ago. The first passenger train reached Milltown in 1891.
Representatives of the Raritan River Chapter and borough and county officials are working together to move the railroad station onto county land behind the Ice Cream Depot.
“We met with representatives from three moving companies to relocate the station,” said Gregus, noting that they received three formal proposals from the companies.
He said they also have met with a local contractor and have received a formal proposal for the construction of a foundation for the station when it is moved.
Gregus said Tom Reynolds, president of the Raritan River Chapter, has also met with two companies on his own.
“We pretty much have a good idea of what the cost would be to move [the station],” he said.
Before the move, Gregus said they learned that some work on the station has to be done, including floor joists that have to be strengthened and sills that have to be repaired.
“To date we have received a lot of public support from different organizations who have actually expressed willingness to help us out once the station is moved,” he said. “We have different contractors, people willing to donate more money once it is moved. Everyone seems to be excited, we are excited.”
Gregus said they have also received a commitment from the county to assist them financially.
“Councilwoman [Doriann] Kerber is actively looking for grants, which is good,” he said. “When we are finished, we don’t want to burden the taxpayers. We want to strictly do this through grant funds and donations. This is basically a community project.”
The Raritan River Railroad was only 12 miles in length with stations in South Amboy, Parlin, South River, Milltown, and New Brunswick.
Milltown at the time was a small and growing little industrial town, and with a train station, people and industry could connect with the world.
After passenger service of the station ended in 1938, the station building was moved slightly down the tracks and the platform height was raised so that the building could be used for freight service.
The station has been in the hands of private owners since 1980.
