SEPTA announced on October 9th that the Ambler Freight House is scheduled to be demolished on Saturday, October 21st and Sunday, October 22nd. The work is expected to take place from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.

According to HiddenCityPhila.org, SEPTA plans to demolish the building because it does not want to have to continue maintaining it.

Since the recent announcement about demolishing the building, a Change.org petition has popped up. it states:

The Wissahickon Train Stop, Passenger and Freight Stations (AKA, Ambler Station) was built: in 1855. ‘The Formal opening of the PA Railroad through this section, July 2, 1855. First impetus to the prosperity of the locality.’ 

It’s not the biggest freight house left standing from the days when railroads were supreme, but it’s likely the oldest. This wooden structure enabled the movement of goods from Ambler mills and businesses, including asbestos giant K&M, all over the region. That it survived those ubiquitous 19th century fires is miraculous. Its partner structures, the train station and passenger pavilion, from the era when Ambler was “Wissahickon Village,” still stand. For now. This trio is Ambler’s history. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Move it, don’t lose it.

Located at 23 W. Butler Pike, Ambler Pa 19002
Behind the Old Ambler Train Station

Let’s do what we can to save the building before its October 21, 2023 demolition date! If you agree that the freight house should be saved, please push this button to electronically sign the petition.

Photo – Wissahickon Valley Historical Society