A Philadelphia Inquirer article say’s that in honor of Ben Franklins 300th birthday a group is approaching Amtrak , the city and the state to rename 30th St. Station the “Ben” station. To us PRR fans this is the equivalent of renaming Grand Central in New York to Morgan station in honor J. P Morgan. Ben Franklin never rode a train in his life. He did Start among other things the zoo, library and fire department and there are much better ways of remembering Franklin. Letters to Amtrak opposing the idea welcome.
They may TRY to do it, but I think it’s been named 30th Street Station for so long, it just won’t catch on.
Has there ever been a history written about the 30th Street Station?
I believe it is officially Pennsylvania Station, but we natives all call it 30th Street. Being far away I do agree it is a little silly to rename the station for Ben. He did a lot of great things, and through his trusts still does for the city. But I don’t think a railroad tie-in is right. Let’s celebrate his birth, 300 years ago. Visit his adopted city, but get off the train at 30th Street.
The Pennsylvania Station, or what’s left of it, is now the basement of Madison Square Garden in NYC.
The Pennsylvania Railroad also had the North Broad Street Station (still active, I believe) in Philadelphia.
may be the liberty bell could be called the “BEN” bell? With there money woe’s Amtrak may sell the naming rights if offered enough money… [:(]