Nostalgia triumphs in Pennsylvania Train Stations – Restored and Revitalized, a wonderful documentary showing how a group of historic train stations have been saved by some enthusiastic Pennsylvania citizens. What fun it is to admire the rich architecture of these remarkable buildings and see the various ways they are being used today!

This DVD boasts beautiful visuals of 16 Pennsylvania stations currently operating in their diverse reincarnations -- which include restaurants, a museum, a private home, a library, a research facility, and elegant apartments. The stations depicted here are: Stoneboro Station, Seiph Station, Woodring Station, Chestnut Ridge Station, Historical Museum (Beaver County), East Mahanoy Junction, The Pennsylvania Apartments (Pittsburgh), Shoeyville, The Station Restaurant (Tarentum), Tourist & Promotion Agency (Washington County), Union Street Station (Chester County), The Public Library (Washington County), Youghiogheny Glass (Fayette County), Di Salvo’s Station Restaurant (Westmoreland County), and Columbia Station.

Listening to the individuals involved in restoring these stations is nothing short of inspirational. One woman admits to becoming “obsessed” about her station project. Well, good for her!  I think it’s a magnificent obsession indeed.

Nothing makes me yearn for days gone by quite like trains do. If I had my druthers, I’d take my family and live on a train, departing it only for visits with my friends or to see a movie on the big screen. I’m still upset over the closing of rail travel to my hometown. However, like the dedicated Pennsylvanians in this film, local groups have restored and revitalized our own Union Depot, and it’s become the hub of an entire restoration area. Now, social and civic events find a home within the walls of an extraordinary building that witnessed so many happy homecomings -- and emotional good-byes.

Civilization is a constant battle between destroying and preserving. I'm happy to learn that preservation is winning in Pennsylvania -- at least where train stations are concerned.

NOTE: Another intriguing film about train stations is The Station Agent. These two movies would make a terrific double feature.    

(Released by Inecom Entertainment; not rated by MPAA. To pre-order the Pennsylvania Train Stations DVD, click on this Amazon.com link. And for more information, click here.)