| Group Seeks Support For Planned Tourist Center November 19, 2000 -- Montgomery Advertiser, by Cynthia Yeidell Article reprinted with the express permission of the Montgomery Advertiser. Old Alabama Rails, a group seeking to enhance part of downtown Montgomery as an entertainment and historic center, has launched a new Internet campaign to attract national attention to the project. Andrew Waldo, president of Old Alabama Rails, said the Internet is the perfect way to let the world know about the major visitor attraction site planned for downtown. "We already have about 300 people around the country who are interested in what we are doing in Montgomery," he said. Old Alabama Rails is a non-profit organization planning to develop a tourist attraction highlighting the historic significance of railroads in Alabama. The Web site gives a detailed history of each of the railroad systems in Montgomery, and also shares tales from workers who have first hand knowledge of the railways system. Waldo said the site is a good way to spark more interest in the project. The organization plans to renovate buildings and railways on about 42 acres of land on Perry Street. Waldo said in addition to a museum and theater, shops and dining areas are also planned. The combination of these things, Waldo said, will give visitors a chance to learn the history of the rail system. "It will be a strong cultural attraction," Waldo said. "It will be an opportunity for someone to ride trains and learn the history of Montgomery." His father, Mark Waldo, vice president of Old Alabama Rails, said the renovation is expected to be underway in 5 years.
For more information about Old Alabama Rails, visit the Web site at |