Train Station Newsstand's 100-Year Run Reaches Last Stop

A third-generation family business at the Chatham Train Station closed Thursday after a century of delivering newspapers and selling coffee to commuters.

Owner Gregory Henrich said The Chatham News Service has been operating under a temporary lease since August and it was time to close. The closure coincides with plans to open a new restaurant at the station.

Chatham News Service was started by Henrich's grandfather, Charles, in 1912, and was continued by his father, Harold. Gregory Henrich, a Chatham resident, has run it the past 47 years.

Henrich said approximately 150 commuters a day patronized his stand, or about 10 percent of the people who take the train. He said he has met a lot of great people through the business.

"It's been a great run," he said.

There was a send-off Thursday morning with family members, borough officials, residents and Greg Henrich's first employee, Kevin O'Shea, who is now an administrative staff member with the Chatham Police Department, in attendance.

Chatham Borough Councilwoman Vicki Fife presented Henrich with a resolution approved by the council Monday recognizing Chatham News Service for its many years of service.

A letter announcing the closing was posted on the train station walls:

"It has been said that 'All good things must come to an end' … and so it too is our time to end!

"As of Friday, November 1, 2013 our operation will be completely closed, and removed from this train station.

"I would like to thank all of you for your constant support and patronage over the years! We truly appreciate having had the chance to serve you here at the train station as well as with our newspaper home delivery business.

"Thank you so much for the many years of patronage, and friendship."

Amid the send-off, after the morning rush, people waiting for their trains still went up to the newsstand seeking a cup of coffee.