All aboard the Greenport Express

All photos courtesy of the Rotary Club of Greenport

Thanks to the Rotary Club of Greenport and community project supporters, the miniature railroad which once operated in Greenport Village for 27 years will reopen in its restored glory on Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m.

“The miniature Railroad in Greenport was established by Frank Field who moved to the village in the early 1970s,” Greenport Rotarian Heather Walker told us. “After a long career with the Long Island Rail Road, Frank retired and began his dream of building a miniature train. In 1984 Frank Field began offering train rides to the public on weekends and holidays — Halloween became the most memorable. The miniature train delighted thousands of children and families until 2012.”

In 2015, Greenport Rotarian Joseph Cherepowich proposed bringing the railroad back to the village. He met with Mayor George Hubbard who quickly gained buy-in from the Greeport Village board. He then presented the idea to the Rotary Club of Greenport and the project commenced. 

“The Train has been named the Joe Cherry Choo Choo in honor of my dad who passed away from Pancreatic Cancer in 2019. Unfortunately, he was unable to see his dream come to fruition,” Heather said. “It has been my honor to be a part of our committee to keep the project chugging along!”

Along with the fully restored three-car train which can carry 18 adults or 26 children at max capacity, a new 2,000-square-foot Station House was also constructed on Moore’s Lane. Inside, you’ll find the ticket office, restrooms, and a community meeting room.

The Village of Greenport and the Rotary Club of Greenport formed a partnership with the agreement that the club would purchase the train and construct the track and facility, and the village would provide the land and operate on weekends and holidays. The Greenport Express is expected to run Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Each ride will cost $5 per person.

“The Rotary [Club of Greenport] plans to end the season on Halloween bringing back the memories the train was so well known for.,” shared Heather. “Rotary looks forward to providing a fun activity for children near and far to enjoy as many remember from the past.”