ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Phoebe Snow passenger train is being highlighted amongst other historical elements as part of a new piece of community art near downtown Elmira, as the ribbon was cut Wednesday morning to unveil The Lackawanna Railroad Mural Project on the railroad viaduct on Madison Avenue. 

For artist Rob Piecuch of Horseheads, the mural, which pays tribute to the region’s railway history, is his vision come to life. Along with supporting artists Alex Taylor and Chris Eldred, they've been working on his mural since September 2021. It's the latest public artwork in partnership with Community Arts of Elmira's Infinite Canvas. Piecuch's design features a glimpse of what transportation looked like in Elmira during the 1950s, highlighting various elements of the Lackawanna Railroad and Pheobe Snow.  

“They named the train after her in 1949 as kind of a brand new train,” Piecuch said. “It was very modern at the time, and it was to show this modern image to the traveling public to make you want to travel by train.”  

Rob's mother, Maxine, says he gets his love for trains and drawing from his grandfather. She says his passion runs in the family, and she isn't surprised to see him leave his mark on Elmira with the mural.  

“When he was a little boy, I would teach him how to draw certain things,” Maxine said. “It does run in the family. I have talked to some of the family I've found, and they love to draw, too.”  

Pat Edminister was one of the people who gathered to check out the new mural on Wednesday. Like Rob, Pat Edmister's family history also shows a fascination with railroad travel in the Elmira area. The mural reminds her of the work her father did on the Erie Lackawanna Railway and how he was preparing to be a conductor on the Pheobe Snow back then.  

“They had an opening... he went to school, got his uniform and all that, and passed away and never got to do the job for one day,” Edmister said. “So, when I saw this mural, I was completely thrilled.”  

Rob is an important member of the team at WENY News. WENY is proud of his accomplishment and passion for supporting local history through art. Elmira Infinite Canvas is a public art program of Community Arts of Elmira, in collaboration with groups, organizations, businesses, and the City of Elmira, funded by donations, sponsorships, and grants. The program has allowed local artists to paint murals in various locations throughout Elmira. A map of all the completed murals can be found below.