P.L.& W. Train Station in Lisbon served as an inspirational location for the Salem Preservation Society’s annual picnic. As the guests savored the potluck dinner and visited with old friends and new acquaintances, they noticed the excellent condition of the structure around them. The colorful glass windows, detailed woodwork, large doors, walls and finished hardwood floors were in such fine condition that they did not reveal the age and past history of the building.  Only after Bob Durbin, Columbiana County’s Chief Deputy Engineer, told the building’s fascinating restoration story did most of us realize the magnitude of this preservation project.

The full name of the P.L. and W. train station is the Pittsburgh, Lisbon and Western Railroad station. It served Columbiana County until 1944. Before 1890 it had been called the Pittsburgh, Marion & Chicago Railroad Train Station.  When the County Engineers began searching for funds to restore the train station, the building had whole sections of exterior wall missing and significant water damage to the roof and ceilings. Many people did not think the building was salvageable, but this beautiful and functional building is a testament to the truth. Not only was it salvageable, it is an excellent example historic architecture and is a fine representation of Lisbon and Columbiana County. It is also currently functional because it is available for tours, private functions, and although it no longer serves train passengers, it now acts as a comfort station and staging area for bicyclists that are enjoying the lovely Greenway Bike Trail and paddlers who are using the canoe livery on the Beaver Creek at the edge of the parking lot.  Clean, well-lit restrooms, covered picnic tables, and generous amount of paved parking are on site where visitors can enjoy this beautifully restored building as they use the bike trail, river, or just relax in the quiet setting.

The S.P.S. expresses their appreciation to Mr. Durbin for a fascinating presentation, and to Carolyn Caldwell and Arlene Schwartz, S.P.S. members, for organizing this enjoyable event.

For more information about the P.L. &W. Train Station, visit This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact the Engineers Office at 330 424-1740.

Submitted by Charlotte Wallace