EBT Saltillo Station Documentation Project
Deterioration after a decade - 1997
Prior to internal bracing installation - February 1999
After internal bracing installation - April 1999
Diagnal bracing under roof trusses - February 2000
The East Broad Top Saltillo Station sits at the north end of the EBT's mountain grade up to Broad Top Maountain. It marked an important division point in the line and was the largerst source of traffic north of the coal fields and a watering and sanding stop.
The Saltillo Station was built in 1882 and was moved and a modified on at least three occasions. After the end of operations the building served for a time as a furniture warehouse until standing derilict. The roof has deteriorated to the point that it does not keep the weather out anymore. The result was a severe sagging of the roof and an outward buckling of the front and rear walls.
In the previous fall, again with the permission of Mr. Kovalchick, FEBT contracted with enginner Gary Young to examine the station and also Coles Tank and recommend steps to stabilize the buildings.
On August 14, 1999 FEBT members William Grant, William Adams and Deane Mellander contucted internal measurements and photographed several sections of the structure as part of the documentation project. Also Rex Smith and his crew performed additional cleanup. During the work the ceiling of the baggage room, which had mostly fallen, was hauled away.
On October 11, 1999 FEBT members William Grant and Hank Innman performed additional documetation on the building. The cleanup of the baggage room allowed for more detailed documetation of that portion of the building.
Subsequently, Rex Smith and his crew installated additional reinforcements. The reinforcements, as recommended by Grant after a previous inspection, consisted of a new central beam from which diaginal and vertical members were attached to the roof trusses.
Depending on the weather, additional documentation work at Saltillo may take place yet this year.
We intend to commission a consulting engineer to inspect the existing building and provide specific recommendations for long-term stabilization and rehabilitation of this historic structure. Only with this information can we realistically and intelligently discuss proposals to save this endangered asset with the East Broad Top Railroad and other interested parties.
