Picture of Buffalo Central Terminal - Dyngus Day 2008

This year (2009) marks the 80th Anniversary for the opening of the Buffalo Central Terminal.

“To mark this milestone, the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation is putting together an anniversary celebration. As part of this event, the Terminal’s center piece, the original concourse clock, will be returned to its home at the center of the main concourse. Also, through the gracious efforts of the AMVETS, a new flagpole and American flag will take its rightful place, atop the vaulted roof, at the northeast corner of the building. Finally, with your help, a replica of the Terminal’s original 1929 dedication plaque will again grace the entrance foyer, where the long missing original once hung.” (Sara Etten, BCT)

If you are not familiar with the Central Terminal, it was opened to the public on June 22, 1929. After the last train left the station on Oct. 28th 1979, it was sold to various owners who sold artifacts from the building.  The building suffered years of abuse, vandalism and additional theft of contents on and within the structure.

In August of 1997 a group called the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation took over the property and has been restoring it ever since.

The Buffalo Central Terminal hosts many events throughout the year such as a Dyngus Day celebration, wine fests, car and train shows as well as Oktoberfest.  All events sponsored by CTRC help raise money to restore this amazing piece of Buffalo’s history.  In addition, donations are graciously accepted and volunteers appreciated to help in the restoration effort.

I did not see an actual date for the 80th Anniversay celebration on the Buffalo Central Terminal website, but for more information on the Buffalo Central Terminal and the upcoming list of events for 2009 visit the website at www.buffalocentralterminal.org