New Life For Greenport's Miniature Railroad, Fundraiser Tuesday

GREENPORT, NY — For 30 years, former railroad employee and Greenport resident Frank Field delighted scores of children and families with his Peconic County Miniature Rail Road, which operated in the village, taking guests on rides that will live forever etched in memories and hearts.

When Field decided to stop operating the miniature railroad in 2012, some felt the chance of boarding the miniature train might well be gone forever.

Now, however, the Village of Greenport and the Greenport Rotary Club are teaming up to bring the attraction back to Greenport, buying the equipment from Field, building new tracks and siting the railroad in village property in Moore's Woods.

But funds are needed. To that end, George Giannaris, owner of the Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant and a member of the Greenport Rotary Club, is hosting a Greek Feast Tuesday at the eatery to help.

The Greek Feast at Hellenic will include chicken Santorini — chicken breast, feta, sautéed peppers and onions in a lemon sauce over orzo pasta — Hellenic’s traditional Greek salad, pita bread, homemade carrot cake with pineapple cream cheese icing, soft drinks and coffee. Tickets will cost $25 for adults and $15 for children. The event will take place Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; takeout is also available.

"We are trying to raise enough money to give the railroad a permanent home and manage its maintenance and operation, in addition to public restrooms," Giannaris said. "Unfortunately, this is a costly endeavor. We need $250,000 to achieve this goal. We are hoping to attract sponsors and foundations as well as individual donors. We’re already over 10% there and looking forward to bringing the miniature train to fruition immediately."

The plan, Giannaris said, is to purchase one locomotive and three passenger cars from Frank Field and a quarter mile of his track.

"Frank took donations to run the miniature train for decades. Whatever money was left, he donated to Eastern Long Island Hospital. Frank had approached Greenport Rotary and explained to us that other miniature trains were being run by other Rotary clubs and suggested that we should look into it," he said.

The project resonates deep in Giannaris' heart.

"Growing up, although all the seasons of my life were always blessed by the North Fork, my fondest memories are of my childhood years growing up out here. The wineries, restaurants and boutique shops are wonderful, but my fear is that there will be less and less activities to attract families with young children. I would hate to see that facet of the North Fork glaze over. I am hoping that the train will inspire other business people to invest in family-friendly, permanent attractions that are closer to Greenport. I think it would make Greenport so well-rounded."

Giannaris is donating all the food for Tuesday's fundraiser.

Greenport Village Mayor George Hubbard Greenport said the village is donating approximately 1.5 acres in village land to the project that has so many enthused.

"This is an attraction in Greenport that every generation talks about. People who are 80 years old say, 'I remember going to that train with my kids.' Everyone knew about that train," he said. "My kids, my grandchildren haven't had a chance to see it because it's been shut down now for a few years. This is a way to bring it back to another generation of Greenporters, of North Forkers."

The miniature railroad can even be a destination for out of town visitors, he said.

When the railroad was operating, it was part of the fun on Halloween, along with a hayride and a visit to the old jail, Hubbard remembered.

The mayor said the village is pleased to be partnering with the Rotary; about a dozen meetings have taken place and conceptual plans have been drawn. The village will also allocate manpower to the project.

The Rotary is raising funds to purchase some of Field's excess equipment; Don Fisher of the Riverhead Railroad Museum has been very helpful, the mayor said.

Hubbard said the Rotary has been critical in raising funds and he also thanked Giannaris for taking the reins for Tuesday's dinner.

Plans will include rest rooms not only for those using the railroad but also for those attending softball games and other events, Hubbard said. "It will be a multi-use building with nice features," he said, including a work room and a place for ticket sales.

"This project has captured imaginations," Hubbard said. "It's one of the nice things about Greenport that everyone remembers. It's coming together and it's going to be really nice."

Rotarian Joe Cherepowich, who has championed the project since first speaking with Field, said the railroad has touched countless hearts in Greenport — and bringing it back is a mission many have embraced.

"We wanted to put smiles on children’s faces as they enjoyed the miniature railroad as well as to remind the adults of the great memories they have of the railroad," he said. "This was something that was in the community for 30 years."

The exact location of the new railroad will be on the west side of Moore's Lane between the skate park and the water tower, he said.

The family friendly attraction will be a way for kids and parents to share old memories and make new ones, Cherepowich said. "It’s always good to bring back treasures from the past that meant so much to our community."

And the Rotary is the perfect organization to spearhead efforts, Giannaris said.

"Rotary is a phenomenal international organization; however, I am so honored and proud to be a member of Greenport Rotary. The organization as a whole, is all about service above self. The Greenport Club does all that it can to benefit our local community. We’re all about family and serving each other. The beautiful thing about Rotary is that we do not keep a dime of what monies are raised. When we were presented with the opportunity to continue the miniature train, it was really in line with what we are all about — community and family."

Patch photo courtesy Greenport Rotary Club.