Lehigh Valley Railroad Passenger Station

“Through the persistent efforts of District Passenger Agent Paul S. Millspaugh, of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, that company will spend $150,000 improving the station and train yards in the western part of the city. This announcement was made today by Mr. Millspaugh, who said:

‘It means a tremendous outlay and a great improvement. It has been my dream for years that our station here should be in keeping with the splendid scenery which greets the gaze of the tourist when he is being brought down South Hill into the city.

‘We operate six through trains a day besides the locals, carrying passengers from over all the world. They come down the hill and see the University, Cayuga Lake and city, a panoramic view that cannot be surpassed. The contrast when they arrive at the lower station with the present unsightly surroundings takes the charm from their first impression of Ithaca.

‘The space around the present station will be converted into a handsome park with nice drives and flower-beds. The plans call for the erection of a modern station, although the present structure will not be moved but will be utilized….

‘To secure all this has been accomplished after years of effort. I have never lost an opportunity to present these needs to the management of the road. This is not a railroad move but an Ithaca move absolutely. It will mean much toward beautifying the western section of the city.’

Besides the improvements at the station, the Lehigh will make extensive changes in the yards to afford more train room and other traffic facilities. The company has secured almost all of the property on Brindley street at exorbitant prices and this additional land will be utilized in enlarging the yards.

The street is to be moved further west and the Sandy Patten Hotel and other buildings on the thoroughfare are to be torn down. The plans for the improvements are nearing completion and it is asserted that work will be under way very soon.

The proposed improvements call for the abolishing of the Auburn and Ithaca trains backing out on a round-about track. Under the new plans, the trains will go straight out, crossing the Inlet. This will mean the saving of much time and labor. When the Lehigh gave the city the right of way in the Inlet section near the coal docks it was with the provision that the company was to reserve a strip which would be sufficient to construct a bridge across the Inlet at any time.

The Lehigh, therefore, intends to exercise this right and erect such a span for the accommodation of the A. & I trains. Subways are to be constructed so that trains on the Auburn division, coming and going, will be able to pass each other.”

“Lehigh’s Ithaca Station To Be Greatly Enlarged,” Ithaca Daily Journal, September 23, 1912, 

Accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=idj19120923-01.1.3

“The Common Council last night officially approved of the extensive improvements which are contemplated by the Lehigh Valley Railroad in the lower yards. The improvements, it is estimated, will cost $100,0000.

Attorney Fordyce A. Cobb, of Cobb, McAllister and Feinberg, appeared before the Council on behalf of the railroad company…

In outlining the plans of the Lehigh Valley, Mr. Cobb said in part:

‘About a year ago the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company commenced to make plans toward the improving of the conditions that exist at their station at the Inlet. They commenced to purchase property one [sic] Brindley street, west and north of their depot. They have purchased all of the houses north of West Mill street that faced Brindley street. They made arrangements with Mrs. Williams to acquire a ninety-foot strip west of the present station and also purchased the old Patten Hotel, west of the station.’

After explaining what the railroad wanted of the Council, Mr. Cobb continued: ‘The strip of land, as asked for, is desired so the Lehigh can put in three additional tracks to the west of their station, enabling trains on the Auburn division to enter the city directly from the north, going straight to the station. This will abolish the crossings on Fulton street at Mill, Buffalo, Seneca, and State street. This extra trackage is imperative….’”

“Council Favors Lehigh Valley Depot Changes,” Ithaca Journal, May 22, 1913, 6, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=idj19130522-01.1.6

“Division Passenger Agent Paul S. Millspaugh said today that work on the proposed improvements at the lower Lehigh Valley station and train yards would be started soon.

The Common Council and Board of Public Works recently approved of the Lehigh Valley plans which call for improvements which will cost about $100,000….”

“Lehigh To Award Big Contract Soon: Work on Improvements in Inlet Section to Start in Near Future,” Ithaca Journal, June 13, 1913, 6, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=idj19130613-01.1.6