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Weren't we through bulldozing stations already?! I thought we finished this in the 1970's! Albuquerque NM lost its station in a fire, and would love to have it back. You have a wonderful station, and your city just wants to make it completely inoperable (1 track--what will that accomodate!) I hadn't thought about getting religous groups involved, but it seems like a good idea. Also, one of the truest things I ever heard was that refurbishing historic structures is a form of environmental conservation--get environmentalists involved. Also, I am sure that there are some influential people out there who would help--get somebody with a Ph.D or a high title to write letters and appear on TV. Maybe one of your state's senators will be more preservation-minded than your congressman. One place you might start is at the local university. Another thing to do is to get your message to a large audience. The place I might start is on a local affairs program of your public radio and televison stations, as I would guess that they would be more receptive to your message than a for-profit station. But if you can get on the for-profits, then do so as well. You probably don't have the money for it, but if you do, then I would suggest you run some advertisements in different media. I would also suggest writing an article for TRAINS magazine to reach the railroad audience, almost all of whom will care deeply. Another tactic that could work is to show people that Oklahoma City Union Station is still relevant. If at all possible, try to run a passenger excursion of some sort out of the station. I'm probably dreaming here, but what if you got an operating steam locomotive, or at least a historic diesel, to come to Union Station? Or, if you can't, then how about holding some social events in the station (presuming it is still certified for public occupancy), such as lectures on various topics, orchestral concerts (how about a classical music group from your local university), or what if you restored some historic passenger cars on the unused tracks, and opened it up to the public. Of course, you would have to be careful about holding events in the station building, because it might strengthen the ODOT's case of leaving the building intact, but rendering it useless. I suppose you could take this matter to court, if you have the resources, and in the time it would take, you could spread the word to more people, and another opportunity to help you preserve the station might arrise. Then again, the court could side with the department of transportation. I looked at your website. Your statement about the maximum-weight trucks is rather extraneous, but other than that your arguments are very good, although you might need to elaborate more on them for the general public. Right now your biggest task is getting them to enough people. Remember that you have something wonderful, which is not something to just be thrown away. The important thing is to KEEP WORKING TOWARD PRESERVING THE STATION--DON'T GIVE UP!. Remember that you have historic preservation on your side, and our support. Get help wherever you can find it--preservationists, environmentalists, religous groups, university professors (the students might be interested in becoming involved, also), and the general public. I wish you the very best of luck, Daniel
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