|
 Technologically
advanced, the
New Haven was
experimenting
with electrical
lines as early
as the 1890s -
and the intention
of the company
was to install
an electrified
system into South
Station.
In anticipation of this electrification, a second terminal was constructed underneath the main concourse. Designed to handle 25,000 daily commuters, a two-track loop along with an elaborate underground suburban depot complete with platforms, a waiting room and men’s and women’s rest rooms would greet the passengers arriving on the electric cars.
 One
day, somewhere
around 1904, the
powers-that-be
decided to have
a grand opening
of the loop tracks
beneath the concourse.
But there was
one problem. When
the train chugged
in - a steam locomotive
- the smoke billowed
- and the dignitaries,
dressed in their
Sunday finery
stumbled from
the depot, choking
on the acrid smoke.
The underground
facility, or ‘ghost
terminal’
as it was called,
was shut down
and never used
again.
During the 1940s, during renovations to the facility, the tracks were removed and a small parking garage, expanded baggage facility and an extension to the post office annex were put in its place. For a brief time, it housed a bowling alley.
Today, the lower level is used as office space and storage by Amtrak, the MBTA and the Retailers at South Station. Only a few remnant white enameled bricks echo the past glory of the underground terminal.
This article originally appeared in the September 1999 edition of South Station’s STATION BREAK newsletter.
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