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 Lancester County, and the Strasburg Railroad Company.Fairview, Eshbenshade, Cherry Hill, Carpenters Crossing, Lemean Place Junation at Paridise Pa. will be out stops today. Enjoy a look at America's oldest shortline RR with these Pictures and other historical info as we travel back into time on the Strasburg Railroad's 4.5 mile line

                                   A Day on the Strasburg 

 I found myself standing in front of Great Western Railway No. 90, a large black steam locomotive with her stack bellowing with smoke from the boiler. It was a hot July evening and I had just arrived at the railroad, watching the old decopod departing from the historic East Strasburg Station. The passengers aboard the historic train just waved and cheered as they would soon be in Paradise, where the railroad meets Amtrak, passing miles of stunning Amish fields.   I would soon be the next passenger on “The Road to Paradise” the next morning.   Once the train was out of sight I began to walk over to greet my friend Mark, a railroad carpenter with a great sense of humor and a big heart. I toured the locomotive shops with him, along with his woodshop, were we admired his woodworking on the passenger trains. I also saw the roster of historic steam engines along with one that was in the process of construction. I later would watch the No. 90 come back and leave with her last train as I had the previous day.  
 The next morning I was back at the railroad bright and early. I vigorously walked through the station, dressed in my blue overalls and engineer’s hat, down to the locomotive shed were I was greeted by Doc, one of the senior engineers. He let me in on the day’s “news” and proceeded to his engine. Two of the railroad’s engines would be used on this day, with two trains in service.  No. 90 was the first one to be prepared.  As the largest engine, she is used the most on the larger trains. The smell of the coal was just amazing as the engine was brought out on to the ash track where she was loaded with coal as the first chore of the day. I then watched the locomotive brought up the line just outside the yard limits - up an incline where the locomotive would be blown out. She then came back down to me and was then oiled and lubricated before she was brought to the platform for her train. Once she was safely parked, the railroad’s second largest locomotive,  an ex Norfolk and Western No. 475,  she loudly crept out of the shed almost moaning and complaining, “It’s early.   I’m tired. Let me be.” But she then continued the same treatment No. 90 had gotten on this warm summer morning. Within the hour, both locomotives proceeded to their bright red train, with people inside cleaning them, just before passengers boarded.  
 I looked like I was part of the crew in my overalls and sunglasses.   Between the time I walked over to the platform with No.90 people would ask me questions like “Where can I buy tickets?” I just responded as any employee would, even think I was not working for the railroad “Over by post number three.  Hurry if you want to board this train”, I answered.  The conductor then yelled “All Aboard”, waved his hand to the engine and pulled the emergency brake twice and  No. 90 gave a large blow to her Reading six chime whistle with the bell on and let  off a huge cloud of warm white steam and left. In the distance I could here the deep voice of No. 475’s Hooter eight chimes responding to No. 90’s call for leaving the station. A few moments later I watched the old Norfolk and Western engine pull into the station with Coach No. 60 in front. No. 60 would be the car I go into as she is a combination Baggage, Passenger car (combine) meaning I could stand in an open part in the front looking at the Amish farmland surrounding us.  
 The conductor greeted us over the intercom “Train number 113, the Strasburger, now departing.  Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome aboard the oldest right of way in the world, the Strasburg Railroad” throughout our trip he would explain the line history etc, as the conductor of No. 90’s train would. A half hour later we would appear at the end of the line, Paradise Pa, where the train switched around from the back and went to the front passing the train as it went along while the passengers waved and cheered at the train crew as it went by. On the way back to Strasburg, we passed No.90 going to Paradise while we stopped at Groff’s Picnic Grove.   Trees inhabited a luscious green picnic grove in the middle of the line next to the railroad’s largest suburban stop, Cherry Hill. The Cherry Hill Station is located next to the Grove past a road crossing next to the Cherry Crest Farm’s corn maize. On the small shack there is a sign that reads Cherry Hill Population - seventeen more or less, meaning seventeen more when the train gets there and less when the train departs.   It is the perfect spot for a nice picnic, away from all the hussle and bustle in the railroad yard. When I arrived back in Strasburg I got off the train and browsed in the Strasburg gift shop picking up a few treats for myself. By the time I was finished I bought myself a picnic lunch from the fully stocked railroad kitchen and boarded the train.
 This time I rode No. 90, sitting in the newest coach the railroad has. Right on time No. 90 gave a large blow of her whistle and the rain left with the conductor announcing what the previous one had. Every crossing was announced with a description of the attractions next to the tracks. The fresh Lancaster County air had never felt better. When the train got to the third, crossing it stopped and the conductor announced “Carpenter’s Crossing” where on many occasions a ghost can be heard because many years ago another railroad ran a few miles away.  It did not do well and went out of business. As the railroad went out of business they pulled up the tracks so fast, the little engine that was running never returned and sometimes will respond when No. 90 blows her whistle.  He next radioed to No. 90 and she blew her whistle and that same whistle was returned. The part of the line that this is done is located in a valley so of course the echo came back to the train. The younger passengers are always very excited while I just enjoyed the whistle. To ensure that it was not an echo (even though it is!)  the conductor said “No, no, that is not an echo. We pay that old ghost $23.50 a day to go out and do that”!   We soon arrived in Paradise, passing No.475 at the grove on the opposite track and did the same thing No. 475 did at the end of the line. When the train stopped I got off and ran to the front of the train to get pictures of the train before it departed.  When all of the action was gone I sat down on an old picnic table and enjoyed the view with my lunch. When the train arrived I boarded. So I only had to wait a half hour I got on 475’s train, which happened to be the last train she would do for the day.  
When we later got back to the station I got off and watched No. 475 put away her train and proceeded to her track in the engine house.   During this process No. 90 pulled in to the station. At this point it is late in the afternoon so I walk around the railroad and enjoy things like the little Strasburg Railroad, a small train named Cagney that takes you through the yard. When No. 90 arrived in the station I boarded and stayed on the train for two hours and got off for dinner at the railroad’s restaurant. The crew also had dinner because there is one hour the train does not run.  When dinner was finished everyone boarded the train and once again I rode down to Paradise for the last time of the day.
When the train got back to the station it unhooked from the train and No. 90 went down to her track in the shed as the sun went down and the moon went up. The crew gave her some last minute care and closed the shed door, and I slowly walked to the car with the bright station lamps shining on me, while I was thinking what a great day.   Another day of railroading completed after a day on the Strasburg.

             Strasburg Railroad History

Strasburg Rail Road Today

 Strolling through the historic East Strasburg Station and the neighboring town of Strasburg, exploring the engines and rail cars up-close and riding beautifully restored trains are so much fun that you'll almost forget that you're immersed in a richly educational experience … learning about steam railroading, agriculture, Amish culture and PA Dutch heritage. Enjoy all we have to offer. And, the memories you'll take with you. The larger-than-life coal-burning steam train is just the beginning. Ride the Cagney Steam Train, a miniature version; operate a hand-powered Pump Car or watch the little ones "steer" the pint-sized Cranky Car. Browse the Thomas™ Toy Store. Discover an amazing railroad bookstore and railfan shop filled with apparel and merchandise. Visit Our Shops. Don't forget to bring your appetite. You can enjoy food, drinks and entertainment while riding aboard Strasburg Rail Road, or grab a bite at our Trackside Café. See Dining Options. Across the road is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, where you can explore a world-class collection of more than 100 locomotives and rail cars on display, including the priceless Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Collection. And nearby is the National Toy Train Museum - another world-class collection. Founded in 1832, the Strasburg Rail Road celebrated the 175th Anniversary of its railroad charter in 2007. Precisely when the railroad first turned a wheel is still a matter of patient research, but the earliest timetable found to date indicates Strasburg trains were scheduled as of December 1851.  On February 22, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln made a stop at Leaman Place on his inaugural train ride, en route to Lancaster. His four-minute visit brought nearly 5,000 people out to cheer for the President and Mrs. Lincoln. To prepare for the President's visit, Strasburg Rail Road had purchased their first passenger car, which ran on a special train to transport people to and from Leaman Place. First used for passenger and freight transportation, the railroad's main purpose became a freight interchange with the Pennsylvania Railroad. Following World War II, improved highway transportation decreased the need for the railroad. By the mid 1950s, the Strasburg Rail Road was nearing the end of its usefulness. In 1957, destruction of the tracks caused by a series of storms placed an immediate embargo on the carload freight. The owners were unwilling to invest in the necessary repairs.

A second chance.

While petitions for abandonment were being considered, Henry K. Long, an industrialist and railfan from nearby Lancaster, along with Donald E. L. Hallock, another enthusiastic railfan with a vision, formed a group of interested individuals to save the railroad. With perseverance and a creative idea, the Strasburg Rail Road was saved. After repairing the worst spots on the four-and-a-half mile track, the owners began acquiring an inventory of historic locomotives and passenger cars from all across North America. Using the old feed mill as a station, the ambitious band of "rail barons" opened the railroad to visitors in 1958. 2008 will mark the 50th anniversary of Strasburg Rail Road as a tourist railroad. Today, as we look back at their labor of love, the Strasburg Rail Road is one of Lancaster County's most popular tourist attractions - and recognized as one of America's most significant examples of early 20th century railroading.

The Strasburg Rail Road At-A-Glance

June 9, 1832

The Strasburg Rail Road was incorporated by a special Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature. Andrew Jackson was President of the United States. Over the next hundred years, the Strasburg Rail Road would become an important part of the transportation network in Central Pennsylvania, carrying both freight and passengers.

The War Years

Although passenger travel dwindled with the advent of the electric trolley in 1901, the need to transport freight during World War I and World War II kept the railroad going.

1957

Few freight revenues, mounting operating costs and a series of damaging storms led owners to petition the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for abandonment. Local industrialist and railroad enthusiast Henry K. Long along with Donald E. L. Hallock organized a group of individuals to purchase the property and restore it. Shares of stock sold for $450 to raise enough money for the purchase.

November 1, 1958

Twenty-four stockholders (named vice presidents) purchased the Strasburg Rail Road for $18,000 from the Homsher Estate, but the railroad was inoperable. Tracks desperately needed repair. At some locations the tracks were totally buried underneath farm fields, leading one investor to suggest that the privately-held railroad company join the local 4-H Club.

January 4, 1959

The first passenger train in forty years departs from the Strasburg station. The train was pulled by Engine No.1, the Plymouth locomotive, powered by gasoline.

1960

Stockholders purchase the Strasburg Rail Road's first steam locomotive, Canadian National number 7312, renamed Number 31. The same year, an 1882 Victorian train station was purchased in East Petersburg, PA and moved in sections to Strasburg where it was reassembled.

September 1, 1960

At 7:00 pm, Number 31 takes its inaugural roundtrip run on the Strasburg Rail Road, returning steam locomotion to America's oldest shortline railroad. William Moedinger was at the throttle. Visitors begin to come from around the country to ride behind the steam locomotive.

1962 - 1991

Strasburg Rail Road stockholders purchase 5 more steam locomotives, including a rare camelback engine (Number 4) that burns anthracite coal.

June 9, 1982

The Strasburg Rail Road celebrates its 150th birthday.

September 1, 2000

The Strasburg Rail Road celebrates "40 Years of Steam." Engine 31 recreates its first run with William Moedinger's son Linn at the throttle.

June 9, 2007

Strasburg Rail Road celebrates its 175th birthday. From its early years as a connecting railroad with the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad, to its rebirth as a living experience of authentic steam railroading, the Strasburg Rail Road is truly a legacy for all to enjoy.

2008

America's oldest short-line celebrates 50 years since its rebirth.  In 1958, twenty-four visionaries breathed new life into Strasburg Rail Road, saving it from abandonment - keeping it alive to educate and entertain for generations to come

                   Information From Strasburg Rail Road Media Center