Plaque Unveiled At Ambler Regional Rail Station Reveals Town's History
AMBLER, Pa. (CBS) - Commuters who use SEPTA's regional rail station in Ambler will never have to wonder how the borough got its name. A plaque unveiled at the station Sunday tells the story of the woman whose heroism was remembered when the town and the station were named in the late 1800's.
"It's such a pleasure to be here to recognize Mary Ambler and ensure that her legacy is preserved here at the Ambler train station."
State Representative Todd Stephens was among the politicians and private citizens who gathered to remember Mary Ambler's heroism in 1856, when two trains collided, and her resourcefulness in rushing to the victims' aid saved many lives.
"She had long, old shutters taken off the houses and used as stretchers," said Rep. Stephens.
Reviving Mary Ambler's story is part of the rebirth of sorts for the borough, which spruced up its main street after years of neglect and is attracting more visitors.
Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz says that is a fitting tribute for Mary Ambler's legacy of service.
"The willingness of individual citizens to step up when they need to whether that's helping to create the vision for Ambler or responding to an emergency as Mary Ambler did."
Ambler died in 1868 and the railroad station was named after her the next year. The town chose her name when it was established in 1888.
Reported by Pat Loeb, KYW Newsradio
