NEWSLETTER

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Seven-Point-Four

the newsletter of the Friends of the Stewartstown Railroad, Inc.

A Pennsylvania non-stock, not-for-profit organization, tax-exempt

under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

April 2008

 

GOOD NEWS

We are pleased to report that the Friends of the Stewartstown Railroad, Incorporated, has

received its tax-exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Contributions to the Friends are now tax-deductible for those who itemize their deductions.

 

The tax-exempt status may open new sources of revenue for the Friends.  In addition to

membership dues, individuals may now make tax-deductible donations to the Friends for

a variety of occasions: in memory of a loved one, in honor of a special person, as a gift

to mark a special occasion, or a testamentary bequest.  The tax-exempt status may also

enable the Friends to apply for grants from organizations that support historic

preservation and other non-profit endeavors.

 

Obviously, fund raising will be very important to the Friends as we move forward.

Recently, the Friends has provided limited funding to pay some smaller bills at the

railroad.

 

 

SAD NEWS

About one week after the Friends received their tax-exempt status, we learned of the

passing of George M. Hart, a legend in railroad preservation, the first director of the

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, president of Rail Tours, Incorporated (in Jim

Thorpe, Pennsylvania) and, at the time of his death, the majority stockholder,

president and treasurer of the Stewartstown Railroad Company.

 

Without George's unselfish devotion to railroad history in general, and to the

Stewartstown Railroad in particular, there would not be a Stewartstown Railroad in 2008

to preserve.  George funded the railroad's operation out of his own pocket when lean

times found the railroad's treasury a bit low on cash.  Thank you, George, for your

devotion to railroad history and to the little Stewartstown Railroad.

 

 

MOVING FORWARD

With the loss of George M. Hart, it is the Friends turn to "step-up to the plate" and

pitch-in to preserve the Stewartstown Railroad.  The Friends will be setting a date for

its annual membership meeting soon.  The formal notice of the meeting will be sent to

all members whose dues are up-to-date.  We hope to have an inspection trip on part of

the line in conjunction with the meeting, weather permitting.  We will also set-up work

dates for those who wish to participate in working on the right-of-way, the station and

the station grounds.

 

We understand the railroad has scheduled a board meeting for mid-May to discuss its

future.  We hope railroad management will accept the Friends offer to lend a hand to

preserve the line and to be more actively involved with the railroad.  We'll keep you

informed on our progress.

 

David Williamson ~ President

Eric Bickleman ~ Vice President & Treasurer

Raymond E. Reter ~ Vice President & Secretary

John Garner ~ Director of Public Relations

 

 

We appreciate the support that you have shown the Friends during the past year and

look forward to your continued support in 2008.

 

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