(erielack) ELHS Eastern Spring Meeting Re-Cap (long)

["James Harr" <bnchmark_@_eclipse.net>]

Greetings, listmembers;

For those who were unable to attend this years Erie Lackawanna Historical
Society Eastern Spring Meeting this past Sunday, April 13th, here is a
re-cap of the days events:

The event was held at the Parsippany, NJ Holiday Inn, as it has been for the
past several years, and Pete Hasler again did an outstanding job of
organizing and coordinating the event. Many thanks go out to Pete for his
volunteer work above and beyond the call.

There were vendor and display tables lining two sides of the room, and all
were filled. Vendors present included Bob's Photos, John Burroughs and
ReBoxx, Joe and Janet Lofland and their Dunmore Caboose models, and the
ELHS' own tables of items for sale, run by Jay Held (Jay, I don't know who
was helping you out, but they deserve credit too!). There were quite a few
"show-and-tell" models on display, as well, although this modeler was too
busy with conversations and paying attention to the presentations to take
notes on who displayed what! Perhaps Paul T. can help fill that out. What I
did notice were quite a few very nice HO Scale caboose models, and Jim
Dalberg had some of his nice work on display, including a VERY interesting,
Lackawanna-marked Railway Gun (more on THAT later!). Paul T. brought along
samples of Scott Lupias exquisite N-Scale Keyser-Valley Caboose models for
display. N-Scalers, rejoice - this is an outstanding development; accurate,
well-done, prototype specific cabooses have been long awaited by the N-Scale
ELHS community. Well done, Scott.

The first presentation got underway just after 12:00 noon. Bill McKelvey
brought us an update on the status of the New Jersey Railroad and
Transportation Museum, with particular focus on some of the items they have
been gathering for future restoration and display, once they get the funding
they need to continue. Bill and his crews have been very active in
collecting and saving even the most esoteric of items, from railings and
light fixtures to spiral staircases and trolley buses and dump truck loads
of cobblestones. Truly commendable work, that we will all be able to enjoy
someday. Bill highlighted the Phillipsburg Lackawanna Station building, that
he says they have leased from the city, for storage and possibly use as part
of the musem. Great news, indeed. Also covered by Bill was the DL & W
Kingsland, NJ shops complex, some buildings of which still exist.

Bob Mohowski was next, with his in-depth and highly detailed presentation on
Erie Motorcars and Gas-Electrics (Doodlebugs). Bob obviously has a passion
for these, and his research reflects that passion.

Next up was Conrad Milster, one of the featured photographers in Tom Flaggs
two New York Harbor Railroads In Color books. Conrad has spent the better
part of his life documenting the industrial archaeology of the New York
region, and, as a licensed steam engineer, he runs the Steam Power Plant at
Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, which is truly something to behold (I graduated
from Pratt in 1986, and it was always a joy to take a tour of the Plant. He
also does an annual Steam Whistle day, on New Years Eve, that is a real
treat; by all means, investigate a visit to the campus to see it). Conrads
presentation was marvelous; a combination of slides and audio tape combined
to give us a real feel for the subject matter, which ranged from the
earliest of railroad history, up to Marine Operations in the latter half of
the 20th Century.

Tom Flagg followed right after Conrad, and continued the theme of Marine
Operations in New York Harbor. He had many fine images, including a
fantastic set that he took, in early 1975 I believe, from the top of one of
the light towers in the ex-Lackawanna Hoboken (actually Jersey City) Yard.
Also notable were a series of images of an Erie Railroad Pier, where the
Marine Department was headquartered.

Next up, Paul Tupaczewski gave us an update on the EL Dining Car
Preservation Society, and their efforts to re-assemble an accurate replica
of the Lake Cities. The ELDCPS seems well on their way to acheiving that
goal, with exterior restoration work underway, at Ozark Mountain Railcar, on
the EL Diner 741 project. Among other equipment also being restored are
former Nickel Plate 10-6 Sleeper City of Lima, ex-Erie Baggage Car 207, and
ex-DL & W Coach 1318. Anyone interested in supporting this organization can
visit their website at www.eldcps.org.

Will Schultz then brought us to the dinner break with a brief update on the
efforts to design and launch an official ELHS website, and so far his
efforts are looking great. The site will use our favorite colors in an
attractive format. Nice work, Will!

The banquet was very nice, with each table waiting it's turn to line up for
the buffet, which prevented the dreaded "buffet rush". It was a comfortable
affair, with great food and great conversation. It concluded during coffee
and dessert with Pete Hasler and an assistant handing out door prizes; I
think nearly everyone got something. Special mention should be made to the
folks who provided door prizes, including the Big Little Railroad Shop,
Prime Mover Decals, JJL Models, ReBoxx, and others. Any omissions are my
fault alone; everyone gets a big hand for their contributions.

After dinner, Jim Dalberg treated us to some great coverage of Port Morris
through vintage photos, and maps and track diagrams. Jim has always been an
excellent and entertaining presenter, and this year was no exception. Jim
also gave us the history of a German Railway Gun, that was shipped over the
DL & W around Buffalo, and he compared some interesting trackage
arrangements in France and Buffalo, showing how the gun could have been used
to defend us from invasion by Canada! A nice, tongue-in-cheek way of
acknowledging the railroad, as well as his own service in the Marine Corps,
and our troops now serving overseas.

The evening was closed out by Paul Tupaczewski and his presentation on the
evolution of Erie Lackawanna's caboose paint schemes. As always, Paul's
research and attention to detail are second to none.

Thanks to everyone for their involvement and attendance, it was a top-notch
affair, with first-rate entertainment, and huge thanks go out to Pete Hasler
for his work in bringing it all together, to all the vendors for their
efforts as well, and to Paul Tupaczewski for his help in compiling this
report.

Jim Harr
ELHS #2934

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