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(erielack) John Willever
List,
I first met John in the early 1980's at an ELHS convention. John showed me
an album he had on Buffalo, a series of about 120 photos of DL&W properties
on the waterfront and Black Rock Branch. These photos were taken by the DL&W
to protest their city tax assessment. Included were volumes of data on
railroad and commercial activity to support their position. John had
acquired this unique collection by dumpster-diving at Scranton when files
were being thrown out by Conrail. I had never seen any of these before and
they represented a treasure trove of Buffalo's early history.
I offered to buy the collection but John said he would think about it. He
did give me copies of a few photos near my childhood home near the tracks.
Each year at the annual convention I would approach John and ask if the
collection was available. And each year John would say "Maybe next year."
This pursuit went on for over 15 years. Finally John said if you want it
that much, you shall have it. I was prepared to pay several thousand
dollars. John said: "Give me $25."
In 2001 Buffalo was considering putting back part of the Erie Canal in
downtown Buffalo. The State wanted to dig new canals and not dig in the
original locations, due to cost. A citizens protest arose. The State said
the original sides of the Commercial Slip were mud and wood piles and no
stones were used. I presented some of John's photos to the City and they
proved stones were there. As a result, the State changed their plans and the
original canal was dug out. It is now called Canalside and is one of
Buffalo's greatest successes.
As a result, I was called in as a consultant on several city projects
involving old DL&W properties. Several of John's photos appear in the
University of Buffalo studies on Buffalo's waterfront. They also appear in
several books on Buffalo. The most popular program presented at our museum
is called: "The DL&W Prior to 1916" featuring a trip around Buffalo
following the tracks.
I always looked forward to my annual meetings with John and listening to his
vast knowledge of my road. We would correspond during the year by mail and I
always looked forward to his letters. His dumpster-dive had a great impact
on Buffalo. He will be missed.
Ron Dukarm
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