MASSLIVE (July 17, 2018) – Memories became a reality on Monday as local officials and visitors at Union Station celebrated the unveiling in the main concourse of two restored historic wooden benches on indefinite loan from Grand Central Terminal in New York City.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, who worked out an agreement to bring the benches to Union Station from New York, and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno were among the dignitaries and station visitors taking part in the unveiling ceremony.

“The restoration is a work of art,” Neal said. “What I think is noteworthy in terms of irony is the term ‘Grand Central Terminal’ — terminal means the end. But these benches, it’s part of the beginning and the rebirth of our Union Station here in Springfield.”

Under the arrangement, Springfield paid for all costs including the restoration and move of the benches. The two benches, owned by Metro North Commuter Railroad Co., of New York, measure 15 1/2 feet long by 5 feet wide.

Sarno thanked Neal for his “stick-to-it-iveness” in bringing the two double-sided benches to the Springfield station after the congressman discovered them in storage in New York.

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