(erielack) 10 July 1966 - 10 July 2001

[Dave Rutan <dlr_@_csnet.net>]

10 July 1966 - 10 July 2001

On this day, 35 years ago, the last passenger train to Branchville, New
Jersey ventured up the
Sussex Branch.  After laying over for several hours in the town, the
train set off, carrying with it citizens of Sussex County, many of which
had driven to Netcong to ride it up to Branchville and back. A single
Boonton coach and one Erie mainline coach painted Gray, Maroon and
Yellow made up the consist pulled by GP-7 1403.

The rails are unlikely to be relayed to any of the towns in Sussex
County, but I like to take this day to reflect on just what the railroad
meant to those who were at Newton on the day the first train came into
that town.  

- ----------
December 11 1854

As the crowd stood near the unfinished trainshed, they heard the
whistle of the primitive locomotive as it crossed the Sparta road
crossing.  They stirred and craned their necks to see the plume of smoke
as the train blew for Diller Ave.  Dogs on the platform began howling in
reply to the whistle.  The horses, reined nearby, snorted and whinnied.

As the engine, hissing and 'breathing' like a living thing, chugged
around the curve and came into sight pulling two coaches, the people
began cheering and jumping for joy.  This was the event they had been
waiting for.  Their town was at last linked to the rest of the state!

The town cannon, brought down from Prospect hill, was fired in salute to
this modern miracle brought into their midst.  The engineer smiled and
pulled the histle cord in reply.  The coaches were detached from the
engine and run free down the track as the engine steamed to the turntable.

The editor of the Sussex Register, Benjamin Edsall, climbed a handcar
and gave a flowery speech extolling the infinite virtues of the iron
horse.  When the train was ready to go, a crowd flocked to the coaches
and climbed in for the first ever train ride to Waterloo.  The Sussex
Railroad was open for business. 
- -----------

I can only wish the same sort of celebration  would be organized when
passenger service returns to Sussex County--whether it be via the
Cut-off or the Susie Q.

 Dave Rutan
(That Sussex Branch Guy)
- -- 
Monomania can be a good thing
DL&W Sussex Branch Memorial
http://srr_1854.tripod.com

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