Historic Sinking Spring freight house damaged by fire

A historic railroad freight house used by the Sinking Spring Area Historical Society was heavily damaged Thursday by fire.

Crews were called to the scene off Clematis Avenue in Sinking Spring’s Heritage Park about 1:30 p.m.

Paul Miller, president of the society, said he was at the scene as crews worked, but was unable to enter the building to assess any damage to the artifacts kept there.

Berks Places: Sinking Spring Area Historical Society and Heritage Park preserve train station nostalgia, area artifacts

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The bulk of the society’s collection is housed in the adjacent former train station, Miller said, but several large items were displayed in the freight house where the group also holds most of its meetings.

Miller said crews were able to salvage one of two old freight wagons displayed in the buildings, but he is uncertain of the condition of the other wagon and several antique signs that were also displayed.

The 1872 freight depot and 1858 station were moved in 1978 a 2-acre plot donated by the Sinking Spring Fire Company, now called Heritage Park.

The buildings were restored and maintained by the group until about three years ago when they were deeded to the borough, Miller said.

The freight house was also used by the borough and other community groups, he said.

No further details on the fire were immediately available.

Source: Berkshire mont