In the News

SPRINGFIELD -- Memories became a reality on Monday as local officials and visitors at Union Station celebrated the unveiling in the main concourse of two restored historic wooden benches on indefinite loan from Grand Central Terminal in New York City.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, who worked out an agreement to bring the benches to Union Station from New York, and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno were among the dignitaries and station visitors taking part in the unveiling ceremony.

"The restoration is a work of art," Neal said. "What I think is noteworthy in terms of irony is the term 'Grand Central Terminal' -- terminal means the end. But these benches, it's part of the beginning and the rebirth of our Union Station here in Springfield."

Under the arrangement, Springfield paid for all costs including the restoration and move of the benches. The two benches, owned by Metro North Commuter Railroad Co., of New York, measure 15 1/2 feet long by 5 feet wide.

Sarno thanked Neal for his "stick-to-it-iveness" in bringing the two double-sided benches to the Springfield station after the congressman discovered them in storage in New York.

Between 30 and 40 historic wooden benches disappeared from Union Station during the early phase of the $95 million station restoration project, apparently stolen or somehow lost. Their disappearance remains unsolved.

Sarno said that it "might seem like a simple little part, but having these nostalgic benches back here at Union Station" brings back memories of the station when it served thousands of people traveling by rail to far distances and to and from wars.

Union Station reopened in June 2017. It had been closed since 1974.

Springfield paid $25,000 to have the antique oak benches stripped, repaired and refinished by Peter Fiordalice of John Carlo Woodworking in Westfield.

"Little things do mean a lot," Sarno said. "Even though this is a multi-million dollar project ... having these benches restored and brought back here sends a tremendous message to memories of thousands of people who sat on these benches (in) Grand Central or emulating them here in Union Station."

Neal said the benches are a reminder of how important Union Station is to east-west and north-south rail "and the fact it has made an extraordinary comeback coupled with the fact these benches are very tasteful."

Others taking part in the ceremony included Amando Feliciano and Dot Lortie, chairman and vice-chairman of the Springfield Redevelopment Authority that owns Union Station, and Patrick J. Sullivan, the city's director of parks, buildings and recreation management.

Feliciano said he was "absolutely elated" to have the benches in place at Union Station, joining in praising Neal for his efforts. He said that when he sat on the bench, "I felt the nostalgia of all the people who sat there and all the reasons they sat there."

Fiordalice said the benches were stripped down to the original wood, and he added new rosettes, a new base, and new caps. His company also restored a surviving Union Street bench, dividing it into four parts as part of the seating at Union Station.

"I love history," Fiordalice said, adding that he was honored to do the bench restoration project. "Personally, I believe we should honor the past."