Railroading

At one time, Albany was called The Hub City because of the confluence of river, rail, and road traffic. The railroad exhibit recreates an early railroad station on the Southern Pacific rail line. Artifacts include desk and chair, telegraph key, lantern, and other equipment.

The Oregon Electric Railroad also ran through Albany from 1912 to 1933. The station building is now Cidicci's restaurant on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Lyon Street. The tracks ran from Portland south to Eugene. The Pirtle Station was about 3.5 miles south of the Albany Station and is still standing, though in bad repair. The museum displays the old station sign and other photos and artifacts from the Oregon Electric. The above photo is from 1912, soon after the Albany station's dedication.