Before the demolition crews move in to tear down the existing buildings at the Jakobson Shipyard we need a general who will shout, "Don't touch a shred of those little grey-coated buildings" until we know we don't need them.

That is because we need another of them.

We need the carpenter's shop until the Christeen is finished and we need another building for Locomotive 35 to be rebuilt, which would take from three to five years, and just maybe for a permanent home for it.

We need public outcry to save what we have while there is a real need, linked to the waterfront, to save them.

The Locomotive 35 Restoration Committee is trying to bring that steam engine to Oyster Bay. They need your support and approval to make their dream come true.

There will be a meeting on April 13, at the Book Mark Cafe for you to meet the co-chairs of the group, Gary Farkash and Steven Torborg. As we go to press, they are still finalizing the time and date, so please call 922-0036 for confirmation. They will be there to answer your questions about the project.

Also attending will be Dr. John Gable, executive director of the Theodore Roosevelt Association and Tom Kuehhas, director of the Oyster Bay Historical Association.

Sam Zambuto, LIRR spokesperson said the Town of Oyster Bay Bicentennial Historical Commission sent a letter to the LIRR, in February of this year, asking for the railroad's support of the landmark status of the turntable and the station building at Oyster Bay. The LIRR in replying to the commission, indicated that they lend their support to achieve landmark status to the turntable and station building. They see a value in its landmark status.

Mr. Gary Farkash too sees ties to Oyster Bay's history as a reason to keep the railroad in town. He pointed out some of the tie-ins between the railroad and the history of the town.

When TR first returned to Sagamore Hill, after being made President of the United States, he came to Oyster Bay. Where the Frank M. Flower company is located, there was a railroad track that went into the ferry that arrived at their dock. There was a train to the lumber yard and a line that went into Jakobson's for deliveries of parts and supplies.

Making the connection even tighter, the LIRR has told the Engine 35 Committee that it would be able to have a steam locomotive run from Oyster Bay to Mineola on occasion.

They are willing. Are we? Are you?

If so, your support is needed. Please attend the meeting and hear what they have to say. It will enhance the waterfront and make a transportation hub out of the area. It will truly be an educational experience.

By the way, at a meeting on restoration I attended some time ago, we were told the best way to get state money is through education. That is what a transportation hub would be about - educating the public on the history of transportation in the area - one that linked the railroad to the harbor right here in Oyster Bay.