Tuesday Tour of the New Haven Line: Greenwich
Postcard of Greenwich station
Growing up as a kid in Connecticut, probably the only thing I knew about Greenwich was that was where rich people lived. As completely illogical as it sounds, I almost expected that the train station there would have a platform paved with gold… or at least the station would be extravagantly nice. In reality, however, Greenwich is just another regular station along the New Haven main line. Located 28 miles from Grand Central, the train ride to the city ranges from a 41-minute express train, to a 57-minute off-peak local. The station building has a little waiting room with vending machines and benches, and contains a staffed ticket window, an amenity getting rarer and rarer on the Metro-North system. From inside the station building, you can descend a set of stairs and exit to the street level and the various shops of Greenwich.
Photographs of Greenwich station, taken November 1928
When I first arrived at Greenwich, I hiked up a big set of stairs at the western end of the platform. While that far end of the platform is a little beat up, the opposite end is a bit nicer, and has views of Borealis, a sculpture installed at the adjacent Greenwich Plaza.
Aerial photo of the station area, visible is the station building and platform, Greenwich Plaza and the sculpture Borealis, as well as Interstate 95 and Greenwich harbor. [image credit]
Although the sculpture is not exactly part of the station, it is definitely visible to those that commute. While photographing the station, I felt myself drawn to it. Borealis, installed in Greenwich in 1999 (though completed in 1988), is the work of artist Mark di Suvero. When installed, a crane was brought in to lift the 29-foot-tall sculpture, made of welded steel, into place. Borealis also has a sister piece, called Aurora which is on display at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden.
Tags: connecticut, greenwich, new haven line, Photos, train station, tuesday tour of the new haven line, vending machines, waiting room
I love Tuesdays! I always look forward to your latest and greatest, and you did not disappoint this week.
For about a year, I worked across the street from this station. It was very convenient, and Railroad St (I think it’s street) has plenty of convenient stores and eateries (at least it did), as does nearby Greenwich Av. At one point, there was a watering hole on the corner called “The Station House”. I remember the evening they closed (they lost their lease in favor of some higher-end restaurant) and closed the place down, even dancing on the tables with a few of my waitress friends.
Back to the railroad: it’s one of the nicest active stations remaining on the line. Although they should give a discount to riders who climb those stairs!
Dancing on the tables? Sounds like a good time was had. I still worry I am going to disappoint you on Mamaroneck.
Yes, good times were had by all. And I have no worries on Mamaroneck. I realize some of your camera angles may have been obscured, but I’m sure you’ll do it justice. (oh boy, now the pressure is REALLY on!). ;-)
the sky is so blue there i igured the rich people are not getting theit chemtrails……..pardon the new world order conspiracy rants…………
I only expect the best conspiracy rants from you, Mike.