Monte Carlo fundraiser for Trolley Depot Feb. 17

Monte Carlo fundraiser for Trolley Depot Feb. 17

If all goes according to plan, the trolley depot in the Village of Spencerport will be "open for business" in early May. "We're hoping to coordinate the depot's opening with the opening of the Erie Canal," Village Clerk Jackie Sullivan, who is the project liaison, said.

Thousands of volunteer hours and tens of thousands of dollars have gone into the project which was originally envisioned by Bernie Cubitt, who is the chairman of the restoration project. He and Bud Nichols, construction supervisor, a crew of workers and a group of citizens have worked for several years to restore the Buffalo, Lockport and Rochester Trolley station. "The spirit of the volunteers on this project has never waned," Sullivan said.

The upper level of the depot will house a visitor center with historical displays and possibly ticket sales for Erie Canal boat and/or canoe rentals. The first floor will have public restrooms and shower facilities for use by canal travelers. A deck would be built on the depot level to connect with the canal area. It will also be utilized as a museum of transportation and communication and a satellite library of the Ogden Farmers' Library.

"We're hoping the restored depot will become a 'destination' for boaters and bikers along the canal path," Joyce Lobene, president of the Spencerport Chamber of Commerce, said.

While much work has been accomplished through the help of grant funds and community dollars, a cash infusion is needed to keep the work progressing on schedule. Toward that end, a Mardi Gras Monte Carlo Night is being planned as a fundraiser for the restoration project.

"We wanted to plan something that would be fun and brighten the dull winter days," Lobene said.

The event is planned for Saturday, February 17 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Ferris Goodridge American Legion Post, 691 Trimmer Road, Spencerport. "There will be beads, betting, games of chance and music provided by Collichio School of Music," Sullivan said. "The support from the community has been tremendous and we hope they will come out, have some fun and at the same time help us keep the trolley project on schedule."

Tickets are $25 and all proceeds will benefit the Spencerport Trolley Depot and Canal Museum.

The depot was originally located where the power station is at the north side of the Village Plaza. The tracks ran up West Avenue and there are still places where the old tracks are visible beneath the street's blacktop. The depot was moved to an area off Evergreen Street in Spencerport village and was renovated as a private residence. It served that purpose from 1946 to 2002. It was nearly unrecognizable as a trolley station until the team of community members began working to restore it to its original state.

Tickets for Mardi Gras Monte Carlo Night are available at: The Unique Shop, Village Designs, Nothnagle Realtors, Spencerport Village Office and the Ogden Farmers' Library. On February 1, The Unique Shop and Nothnagle Realtors will have feathered Mardi Gras masks available for purchase.