Old postcard view of Bedford Station, as it was known at the time
Back in the 1800’s when the New York and Harlem Railroad was steadily marching northward through Westchester County, today’s Bedford Hills station was known merely as Bedford. Later the hamlet where the depot resided was referred to as Bedford Station (but still a part of the town of Bedford). It was only in the early 1900’s that the place was renamed Bedford Hills. Located about 39 miles north of Grand Central, the small station retains much of its old charm. The old depot still stands, and it even has the old style name sign. Unlike many other Harlem Line stations that have been converted into businesses, the station building at Bedford Hills is not used by a coffee shop or eatery. Instead it is occupied by Mark’s Time, which seems like a perfect fit, considering the joint histories of railroading and timekeeping.
If I am not mistaken, Bedford Hills is the last station in Westchester to be featured as part of the tour of the Harlem Line. There are just a few more stations to be featured before the tour is complete. Anybody out there have any suggestions as to where I should go and photograph after the tour has been completed? I think I have a few votes from people who want me to do the same thing I’ve done for the Harlem Line for the New Haven Line. Let me know your thoughts with a comment!
If at all practical, I’d suggest the New Haven branch lines, since those are less frequently ridden by non-commuters. I go to Danbury all the time, but can never really go by train…
I suggest taking some photos on the North County Trailway. Although it’s not nearly as interesting as an active railroad, there are still a few of the old station buildings left to photograph, such as the one in Yorktown Heights.
I’m glad to see that Bedford Hills station has been preserved and still functional. Your photos have done a nice job documenting its charm. Thanks, Emily.
Next station? Katonah isn’t a bad choice, next up from Bedford. With its “the town moved by water” the current station is faceless and non-descript — but the “post-move” freight building is still there, intact, as a restaurant. btw, at this writing and for quite some years now, Mark’s Time is, ahem, history, no longer extant in the Bedford station.
Hi Brian… you are responding to something that was written 10 years ago, so yeah, there are probably a lot of differences now :)