Fate of PRR station in Elizabeth, NJ

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

New Jersey rail fans who were around at the time probably remember the train wreck that demolished the CNJ station in Elizabeth (not the main building with the magnificent clock tower, thankfully–the building on the other side of the tracks).

But what happened to the original Pennsylvania station right next door? I’ve seen pictures of it but don’t know the story. Seems to me I heard it burned down (60s? 50s?) but I don’t have any details. Anybody know?

I lived in Elizabeth when I was three years old–one of my first (and best) train memories is boarding the CNJ’s Bayonne shuttle at Elizabeth (dad used to take me on “fun rides” weekends) and having the engineer in the front of the lead RDC invite me into the cab to blow the whistle at grade crossings.

2

I don’t have the answer, even though I used the station, as early as 1945 when I was 13 years old. But New Jersey Transit should be able to answer your question, and if you do contact them, please post the answer since other readers will be interested! Dave

3

Found an image of the old PRR station here but no story:

http://kc.pennsyrr.com/photos/images/pc_sta_elizabeth3.jpg

Here’s an interesting account of the wreck that destroyed part of CNJ station:

http://jcrhs.org/wreck.html

4

I’m pretty sure that’s the town my cousins live in.

5

The PRR station burned down in the late 1960’s I believe. I have a clip from a video where PRR workers are removing the station’s safe with a crane after the fire was extinguished.