In Latrobe, what once was a 16,000-foot train station is now a recipe for success! In 1989, the DiSalvo family purchased the historic landmark, which was in bankruptcy. Today DiSalvo’s Station Restaurant is a dining and entertaining complex with a European flair, yet the architecture of the building is reminiscent of days gone by.

2. The Frame Station & Gallery (Berwyn, Chester County)
Bob Macchione’s search for a unique business property led him to an unusual building at the center of town - Berwyn Station. Now renovated, the station attracts visitors who may remember taking a train from the station as a child or greeting a loved one on the station platform. Whatever their reason for visiting, Macchione feels honored to be the caretaker of this historical building.

3. The Public Library (California, Washington County)
In 1958, a group of women persuaded the Pennsylvania Railroad to give away their deteriorating train station so it could be transformed into a public library. They soon decided they’d also like their very own caboose. Requests were mailed to 18 railroad companies until finally Norfolk Southern offered to help. Today children’s activities are held in the library’s “Little Red Caboose.”

4. Shoeyville (Shoemakersville, Berks County)
David Arndt didn’t care how much Shoeyville station cost. He bought it on a whim - not as an investment, but as a home. Built in 1885, the station is one of the oldest still standing and requires continuous maintenance. But it’s worth it to Arndt who says, “It's a longing to preserve a way of life.”

5. Chestnut Ridge Station (Palmerton, Carbon County)
Where would you expect to find a world-class research facility? How about in a restored train station in Palmerton? While closed to the public due to the nature of the work that takes place inside, the beauty of the building is still admired by those who pass by. Owners John and Ella Ondria admit the restoration has been a lot of work, but well worth it.

6. East Mahanoy Junction (Barnesville, Schuylkill County)
When Wendy Bednar and her husband purchased East Mahanoy junction, the first thing they were asked to do was move it. With the help of an Amish family, they did just that, and the station is now their home about 800-1,000 feet away from the original site. Another interesting tidbit about the station? Wendy is certain the station is haunted by a few friendly ghosts!

7. The Station Restaurant
Just up the river and down the tracks from downtown Pittsburgh, there is a suburban station where you can get a taste of the railroad. The Station Restaurant in Tarentum serves up food along with a touch of nostalgia, and lucky visitors often get the chance to see a locomotive pass their window as they dine.

8. Union Street Station
During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln put out a call to help defend the nation's capital. Two divisions of those known as First Defenders began their march at Union Street Station. Today the restored building houses a design business and owner John Levkulic now hopes to get other organizations involved in revitalizing the area around the station to benefit the community.

10. Stoneboro Station (Clarks Mills, Mercer County)
No one wanted the station in Stoneboro so Charlotte Shaffer’s father convinced the owner to give him the building agreeing to move it to another location immediately. His daughter now lives in the historical building that was once her father’s obsession and is sure that many people in Stoneboro are sorry they didn’t jump at the chance to keep the station when they had the opportunity.

11. Historical Museum (Beaver, Beaver County)
At the turn of the century, the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad was considered the most profitable railroad in the country. Today its station at Beaver houses an award-winning museum selected as the best local history museum in America. And its visitors have included President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney who launched a nationwide whistle stop campaign from the station.

12. Seiple Station (Sunbury, Northumberland County)
Stan Seiple operates an architecture firm in a station in Sunbury. Ironically, he only learned that Frank Furness designed the building after purchasing it. He discovered that Furness once employed Louis Sullivan who is known as the inventor of the skyscraper and subsequently employed Frank Lloyd Wright as his apprentice. Seiple likes the style of the building and says it’s just a fun place to do business.

13. Woodring Station (Sunbury, Northumberland County)
When Jesse Woodring determined his business should consolidate offices, he couldn’t find a building in town with enough square footage until he discovered a local train station. The decision to renovate was a tough one due to all of the repairs that needed to be made. However, Woodring says it was worth the effort and appreciates the station for its history and contribution to the community.

14. Columbia Station (Phoenixville, Chester County)
Built in 1858, Columbia Station is now home to many social functions and weddings thanks to Robert Ryan and his business, Ryan’s Catering. Brides often book their special day at the station in order to personalize their event. One recent bride’s father was a conductor and it did not take long for him to fall in love with the building.

15. Tourist & Promotion Agency (Washington, Washington County)
When Washington County Council of Economic Development Executive Director Max Morgan heard the train station in Washington would soon be torn down, he recommended to his Board of Directors that they buy and renovate the building. After a year and a half of negotiating and lot of hard work, Morgan is glad they accomplished their mission. The station is now home to the Tourist Promotion Agency.

16. The Pennsylvanian Apartments (Pittsburgh, Allegheny County)
Pittsburgh is home to a number of train stations. But how about a train station that is a number of homes? When Don Carter mentions that he lives in The Pennsylvanian Apartments, people tell him stories of what it was like in the '40s when troop trains traveled through the city and stopped at the former station. The station became a symbol of World War II - both for soldiers going away and their triumphant returns.