All aboard: Hinkle Library featuring exhibit on Erie Railroad

Through the generosity of Collette Cornish and the Hornell Erie Depot Museum, Alfred State’s Hinkle Memorial Library gallery is currently featuring an exhibit highlighting the history and contributions of the Erie Railroad and its employees to the region.

Titled "Riding the Erie Rails – From NYC to Chicago ... and Beyond," the exhibit will be on display until Sept. 27.

A wide variety of photographs, pictures, books, and objects are on loan from the museum, including railroad memorabilia such as lanterns, timetables, tickets, uniforms, postcards, and maps. The Hornell Erie Depot Museum, located at 111 Loder St. in Hornell, was established in 2005 by the city of Hornell to honor the men and women of the Erie Railroad.

"We hope this exhibit will not only appeal to the railroad buffs in our area, but to new students, faculty, and community members as well, who will learn about the historical, cultural, and economic importance of the Erie to Alfred, Hornell, and the Southern Tier," said Barbara Greil, reference librarian at Hinkle Library.

Collette Cornish, Hornell Erie Depot Museum director and City of Hornell Historian, said, “The Hornell Erie Depot Museum would like to thank Barbara Greil and Alfred State for this opportunity to share these historical items that have been generously donated by family and friends to honor the men and women of the railroad, and it is our duty at the museum to share the history and preserve them for future generations."

In addition to the museum pieces, model train collector and Alfred resident Louis Greiff has loaned several "O" gauge replicas of Erie locomotives and passenger cars.

The exhibit will be open for viewing during normal library hours. To inquire about exhibiting your work in the Hinkle Gallery, email library@alfredstate.edu or call 607-587-4313.