The Ties that Bind: Historical Association Unveils D&H Marker

By JOEL J. PLUE
ONEONTA

On Tuesday, July 9, Oneonta residents gathered to witness the unveiling of a new historical marker in the parking lot of the former Stella Luna restaurant, located at 58-60 Market Street. This marker commemorates the D&H Railroad Station, which operated in Oneonta from 1892 until its closure in 1963.

The Delaware and Hudson Railroad, established in the early 19th century, played a pivotal role in the development and growth of the City of Oneonta. As one of the major transportation networks in the northeastern United States, the D&H Railroad facilitated the movement of goods and people, significantly contributing to the economic prosperity of the region. At one time, the D&H Railroad was the largest employer in Oneonta, attracting a diverse workforce and fostering a thriving community.

The presence of the railroad station and the renowned Oneonta Roundhouse, which was once the largest of its kind in the world, positioned Oneonta as a crucial hub in the rail industry. The D&H Railroad not only drove industrial growth but also shaped the cultural and social landscape of Oneonta, leaving an indelible mark on its history and development. It is, therefore, due to the railroad’s significance that the Greater Oneonta Historical Society has had this commemorative marker placed strategically in front of what was Oneonta’s passenger train station.

The unveiling ceremony was presented by GOHS Executive Director Marcela Micucci, PhD, and her colleague, Bhanu Gaur, who serves as the Oneonta History Center attendant. On hand in support of the unveiling were Senator Peter Oberacker, the Avanzato family—owners of the former Stella Luna restaurant—and many other enthusiastic citizens who shared memories and stories of the D&H Railroad.

“This really reaches so many people in the community. People in Oneonta still feel they have a great connection to the railroad,” Gaur commented.

The ceremony began promptly at 1 p.m., with Micucci unveiling the marker to an eager crowd. She explained that organizing the event required considerable time and effort.

“The historical markers that we have are mostly all funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation,” Micucci explained. “Last year, we really started to make progress on this project. We wanted to establish a marker at the Oneonta Roundhouse, which was the largest roundhouse in the world during its time.

“We knew it would be equally important to establish a marker at the Oneonta D&H passenger train station,” Micucci said.

In contemporary Oneonta, it may be difficult to imagine that such a bustling railroad once existed within the community. The D&H Railroad was the largest employer the town has ever seen and was instrumental in bringing many early immigrants from various backgrounds to the area. The train station, located within the building now known as Stella Luna, was a major hub for passenger services.

“All passenger ser-vices went through that station on the D&H line,” Micucci said. “The D&H was the center of Oneonta—our industry, culture and economy.”

Oneonta Mayor Mark Drnek emphasized the importance of the D&H Railroad in the community’s history and commended GOHS for its continuous efforts.

“We are so very lucky to have an organization that is dedicated to the capture, exploration, and presentation of our city’s history. Understanding our history will help us to identify the best path forward and a new trajectory to better days. As a community, we should be thankful we have the history center. I highly recommend stopping in,” Drnek said.

The new marker stands as a testament to the historical significance of the D&H Railroad in shaping the community of Oneonta, preserving the legacy of a bygone era for future generations to appreciate.