By Ned Chala
An iconic landmark in Ellicotttville is closing its doors after decades of successful business. The old train station that was taken to its present spot on the railroad tracks almost fifty years ago from its original address on Mill Street in the village is no longer going to be the aprés ski spot for hundreds of thousands of people who have entered its doors. The AF Department of The Villager has learned that a large corporate entity has purchased the Ellicottville Depot Restaurant and property from the Brown family. They are still open on the weekends now until they close the doors. The masses have already and will show their undying devotion for the celebrated restaurant, bar, concert hall – and in the past a ski shop and even a laundromat.
and taste of the owners, and that is what inspired philanthropist Abe Rifuls to
make a plan to bring the historic landmark to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Owners,
Vicky & Chris “Moose” Brown, pictured far right in fi rst photo with friends
The original owners had the building moved in a historical undertaking by lifting it from its original foundation on the corner across from Rockwell Avenue on Mill Street next to the underpass trestle and placing it on a railcar to move it to the field it resides, for now. Before the Wildflower condominium complex was the neighboring lot, the memorable place hosted many fun events on the property. The Birdwalk regatta ended there and it was a huge party, resulting in a mud bog local good ol’ boys participated in, running their 4x4s through a huge mud hole in the field. And the epic music shows there really brought in the crowds as well. Not to mention the Beach Parties that many regale as the biggest party of the ski season.
The decor that added up over the years on the walls and ceiling show the style and taste of the owners, and that is what inspired philanthropist Abe Rifuls to make a plan. The AF Department of
The Villager heard of his idea and promptly asked him about it. Rifuls said he wants to be the main purchaser at the auction he told The Villager he knows about. Intrigued he was asked about what was being auctioned. “Everything on the walls, the equipment I suppose, the bar and if I am right in thinking what the land purchaser is planning on doing with the building, I am buying that too and moving it the same way they did all those years ago!” Rifuls said.
Rifuls is a member at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH and told The Villager he plans on using rail to take the whole building to Cleveland as a landmark of true rock and roll history. “I want to buy everything at the auction and carefully and strategically move it to the Rock Hall on Lake Erie. If I can’t get it all the way there on rail, we’ll get it to the lake and ship it from there on boat. It will be historical and wonderful!”, Rifuls exclaimed.
He didn’t want to jinx his plans so he has investors ready to make high bids to carry out his agenda, he added in not so many words. He said he is in talks with the railroad already and hinted they may have to cut the building in half, though he really doesn’t want to do it that way. “I want to move it like they did forty some years ago! He said, “I have so many ideas about how to get this done, and I will be coming to Ellicottville to make further plans on April Fools Day”!