The site was started as a way to share information, photos, maps, and other ephemera regarding the Susquehanna & New York Railroad. The author has assembled a small trove of S&NY material, and intends to scan and share this information as time permits.
I was doing some research on the Elmira Branch and stumbled on a reference to an article on the S & NY by Clarence Weaver. It was in the Jan 1943 Trains magazine: 11 pages – 13 photographs including two of Bergan tower looking south. It’s a must have addition to your bibliography.
Thanks, Mike! I had forgotten about that one. I know I have a copy of that issue in my “drawer o’stuff” somewhere. I’ll add it to the bibliography as soon as I can dig it out.
Interesting site. My grandfather worked for the S&NY from about 1913-1940 when he started work for the LVRR, where he worked until he retired around 1955. He was in Masten, Towanda, Laquin and Ellenton that I know of, probably most of the others too at one time or another as a telegraher, dispatcher etc.
Hello, I enjoy your site. I have many documents concerning the S&NY if you are interested. Example: I went to the National Archives some years ago and had copied much/most of the 1917 Valuation information, including track plans. And other stuff … if interested let me know and I’d be willing to send you copies to put into your documents area. Charlie
Hello: This is a great site with tons of information. Mr. Marvin I am very interested in purchasing copies of the Valuation maps for this Ralston area. Here is a copy and paste from an email that I most recently sent to the National Archives. Please let me know your thoughts: Good Morning Sir:
In accordance to your detailed email provided to me in May 2014 I will attempt to provide you with the necessary information for your staff to determine if any valuation maps exist for the following railroads that you may provide us with citations for ordering copies. Thank you very much for detailing the instructions with explanations and your continued guidance.
The best that we can tell is that there are remnants of two railroad grades that appear to run nearly parallel in a generally north and south direction. We are interested in knowing if Valuations maps exist for both grades but we are primarily interested in the upper grade which we believe is the Susquehanna and New York Railroad Company. The following are several geodetic coordinates that we obtained from Google Earth on-line mapping:
North east 41d29’52.56”,-76d57’12.56”
Marsh hill bend 41d28’42.39”,-76d58’07.98”
Masten loop 41d30’49.46”,-76d47’54.30”
The lower grade that runs nearly parallel and about 100 feet or so away from the S&NY RR we believe is the now or former Penn Central Railroad. These two railroads, as far as our area of interest is concerned runs from about the Villages of Ralston, through Marsh Hill to beyond Masten, all which are located in McIntyre Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.
We do not know the time period of ownership for the now or former Susquehanna and New York Railroad Company or the now or former Penn Central Railroad.
Please let me know if citations exist that we may contact a registered searcher from the internet link provided to us that shows the list of researchers available to us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your help.
Any help that you can give will be appreciated.
Thank you, Mike
Nice web site; I hope you keep adding to it. My folks used to have a place outside of Shunk and we spent many weekends driving and riding motorcycle around the area when I was a kid. We stumbled upon the Masten Loop bridge abutments and I’ve been fascinated by the S&NY ever since. You’ve got some photos not in “the book’ which were a delight to see. I also found the high bridge abutments many years ago and I think that combination bridge probably goes there. We took a metal detector to Laquin and found several spike and some other junk but nothing worth saving. I haven’t been to the area in probably 20 years but have wanted to explore it again. Thank you for sharing, and nice modeling…looking forward to continued progress (I’m a sometimes modeler myself).
Looking for any information, pics or maps of the Wheelerville area
My family lived in Ralston, Pa. We grew up walking on the old S&NY RR bed. A few years ago my sister & I decided to walk from Ralston to Marsh Hill & up to Towanda on the old RR bed. So far we have made it to Laquin. Spent a lot of time in Masten looking for old foundations, loving every minute of it. If anyone would ever like to join us, you are welcome.
June,
Did you finish the hike to Towanda yet? Are you connected to the McNett family from Grover/Canton area?
B
Looks like you have a good start on what should be a great railroad. I’m curious if you have a track plan. I’m familiar with the S&NY through the PA lumber series of books. Actually, I was part of the Eastern Loggers and some of our models were inspired by Laquin.
http://sn2modeler.com/category/eastern-loggers/
David,
The only track plan I had was a preliminary one done in 3rdPlanit to set out the major turnback curves. I need to add a real track plan to the list of things to add to the site.
Hello, great site, if you are interested I have copies of a handful of ORER’s of S&NY equipment, 1940, 1926, 1917, 1912, 1909, 1907, 1905 & 1903.
v/r
Guy W. Fluck
Mr. Fluck,
I would indeed be interested in copies of the ORER’s. I have copies of a couple of years, but not to the extent you have.
Thanks,
Mike H.
For Michael F. Brinkash …
The National Archives are available to all, just register as a researcher, go through the process and you’ll find that they have a large flat folder with the valuation maps and (located elsewhere) the textual information. Years ago, I had them copy most of the maps for me and I copied the text information. I don’t have a way to copy the maps in total, but I did create PDFs of the material with individual scans of portions … just need to print out and assemble. I’ll gladly make the material available to you … just e-mail me at carmarv @ att . net (no spaces). Sincerely yours, Charlie Marvin
What a great and informative site.
When my ex-wife ( the former Nancy Gochnauer) and I were first married, we lived for several years in the house that stands on the corner of route 154 and the S&NY grade at Wheelerville. We would ride our bikes down the grade to Laquin where someone would pick us up and bring us back to Wheelerville by way of Sunfish Pond. In the winter the grade was a major roadway for our snowmobiles.
I believe that the high bridge that you mentioned and the curve bridge are the same. If I remember correctly, the bridge in question, crossed both the Pleasant Stream and the Pleasant Stream Road right on the apex of the curve. There is a cabin built on the right of way now.
In studying the pictures of Ellenton, I think that #’s 16-17- and 18 are views from the hill behind what would be Ellenton store. The railroad in the foreground would be the CP logging Co. The Ellenton church is in plain view in one of them and would not be seen from any other angle. Also my ex- brother in laws barn is viewed differently from the view in pictures 7 and 14.
I’m not trying to be picky, just trying to help.
Keep up the good work.
Norm
Norm,
Thanks for the comments. Any information that can help orient some of these old photos is appreciated.
My great grandfather was a engineer for the S&N.Y.Railroad. His name was Eli Chilson. I didn’t even know there was a site of this. I am very pleased and excited to be able to look at past history of my family. I have a lot of articles like his rule book and also a book of just S&N.Y. Railroad and family history. My Aunt and I still enjoy looking at train pictures and photos of my great grandfather. He passed away when I was 3 years old so I can’t remember much memory of him but I wrote to the Bradford historical society yrs ago and got a lot of information about him. If anyone who would like to chat or wants to share photos let me know! I will be letting my Aunt know soon of this site. She’ll be as excited as I am!
Grew up in Marsh Hill all my child hood. used to travel the old rail road bed of the S&NY. I new a lot of the workers on that road, like Harris, Moyer, Kilmer’s, and many others that I met in life travels. And my great aunt was the school teacher in Masten and her brothers and father worked there along with her uncle Ben Little and cousins.. My grand dad would ride the train and the engineers would drop along the tracks so they could fish or hunt and pick them back up on their way back through. Still today there is a fire place still standing at the Masten area. I took my wife back through Rock Run up over the Yellow Dog into Ellington and then showed her the Masten site and walked in the creek there, She could not get over how clear and cold the water was. I could look just south from my yard and see the old coal tipple remains, and down were the 2 rail roads came together, just yards before that was a bridge that crossed the Pleasant Stream Creek. The memories that Rail Road made and should of never been abandoned. All’s that is left is photographs and memories along with the imprint were it ounce was.
John,
What was the aunt’s name who was the Masten schoolteacher? Do you have a time frame? Any other families from the area that you remember?
Thanks.
B
Have come across a couple early 1900’s photos of Susquehanna & New York logging trains, a collapsed bridge with logging train on it, and logging camps [Watts and Hosbands]. Can’t find much info on the train wreck or the camps.
Have recently found a few large cabinet photos of SUSQ. & NY RR LOGGING TRAINS & LOGGING CAMPS. Looking for some info on a train wreck on a collapsed bridge and two of the camps..thanks
I very much appreciate your efforts to preserve and share this piece of railroad history.
Thank you.
Very nicely done site, love the modeling! I’m modeling the former LV in Conrail days and have looked everywhere for a picture of Wyalusing Planing Co., so I’m tossing that out there in the off chance that you or someone who reads this might have something, thanks very much. (mikerosehobbies@gmail.com)
Mike,
I don’t have a photo, but there are people from the area who visit the site and maybe you can get help there. There is also a Bradford County historical group on Facebook; Bradford County Rear View Mirror. Might be worthwhile posting there if you haven’t already.
Good Luck,
Mike H.
P.S. Love the podcast, keep up the good work!
I’ve subscribed to the “Talky Tuesday” and “Wordless Wednesday” for several years now. I really enjoy your site and the fantastic collection of material. I grew up in Towanda along the Conrail tracks, and have always been fascinated with the railroad history of the area. I’ve read the Kaseman book so many times I think I have it memorized, so it’s nice to get some “fresh” material every now and then! Please keep up the great work! Chris C.
Hello, I believe that you and I may have corresponded via email through a connection made through “Railroad.Net”. I first became aware of the S&NY while attending jr. college in Williamsport in 1971. I found a copy of the second edition of Mr. Kaseman’s book at a department store in Williamsport for the princely sum of $ 1.00. Coincidentally my first job after graduation was in Towanda. I have been very interested in the S&NY for many years now. Another book that you may want to add to the bibliography is “Chasing Trains” by Robert W. Richardson. Mr. Richardson visited the S&NY in 1939 and included two photos, one taken at Cabin Run with CCC personnel detraining, the other of 119 in charge of a 4 car mixed train.
Art,
Thanks for the info. I’ll have to see if I can track down a copy of the book.
Starting to process some of the material I have scanned for the S&NY. So far I have 4 maps of the area from 1901-1917 which show the transition from the Barclay Railroad to the S&NY. Still searching for a map showing the short lived connection between the S&NY near Ralston and the Grays Run Railroad.
Hello
I purchased a railroad brass key at auction, 2 weeks ago.
It is stamped S&NYRR I believe this is a hard key to find.
Does anyone collect or know of someone that is a key collector??
I will be checking prices at railroad shows and might sell at a later date, after finding value
of the key.
On researching the line is said to be only 45 miles long.
Richard,
I do not know of any switch key collectors specifically, but I imagine they are out there. If it’s authentic, it would be pretty rare.
Barclay Mountain Heritage Day will happen in Leroy, PA on August 11, 2018, 10-4, of interest to all S&NY RR enthusiasts. It is at the Leroy Heritage Museum with free parking and admission to the event. All kinds of exhibits, and talks by historians about Laquin, and the coal industry on Barclay. Lumberjacks, bluegrass and old time music. Food. The Leroy Museum has a great collection of Barclay and Laquin artifacts. http://www.leroyheritage.org
Replicas of railroad station signs; S&NY, LVRR and PRR will be there, which I offer for sale.
Thank you,
Suzanne Niver
I found your site while looking for caboose information. Truly enjoyed both the old pictures and pictures of you model railroad. Driving to Arcade tomorrow to measure and photograph the S&NY caboose there with the goal of building a couple of HO models of it. I’ll be back to look at more of your pictures ! Thanks !
Please contact me via email or FB
I found your site after hearing you on AML this morning. Good stuff Doc. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Neil! I really need to do some more updates…
Wow, what an amazing website!
I was wondering if you knew anything about the “Line relocation 1906-1911” mentioned in https://www.labellemodels.com/manuals/Susquehanna%20and%20New%20York.pdf . Kaseman’s book *does* say, “The most important grade reduction was made between Ellenton and Short Run where several miles of new track was laid on an entirely new railbed. A reverse curve and a deep fill were built into the new track to provide as light a grade as possible”. Was it then that the horseshoe curve in Masten was constructed? Kaseman prefaces it with, “A year later, in 1906, the S&NY embarked on a program of improvement on its existing trackage…”
I’m aware that some improvements were made along the line at some point early on, but I’m not sure of the details or timeline. I believe the Masten station was moved at some point, likely after the narrow gauge Susquehanna & Eagles Mere Railroad was abandoned. I do have photo evidence the Ellenton station was moved as well, possibly as part of the same grade reduction and realignment program. Initially I though this might have been done while the S&NY was under LV control during USRA, but now I think it was much earlier, 1906-1911 as you mention.
I assume this site is still active?
I also grew up in Marsh Hill and my parents were friends with the Updegraph family. My the Apker family was one of the earliest settlers in the area known today ad Marsh Hill. The SN&Y railroad bisected the Apker property – the yard was not even a mile from the house I grew up in, separated only by the house John Updegraph lived in with his family. The railroad bridge shown in these pictures was used by the, I believe, Pennsylvania Railroad through most of the 60’s. I spent many days walking the old grade of the S&NY. My grandmother would point out the locations of various buildings in the railroad yard. I only wish we had taken pictures! I really enjoy your photos on this site and wonder if there us a way you would share the Marsh Hill Junction pictures with me.
Thank you!
Ms. Gates,
Still active, yes, but been busy with family and other things so I haven’t had time to put anything new up in quite a while. I’ll contact you about the photos offline.
Mr. Hauk,
I was listening to episode 162 and you were speaking regarding research gathered from a book [the name of which escapes me now] about the S. & .NY. RR.. I have all 14 titles of logging in Pennsylvania; 6 by Thomas T. Taber, III; 5 by Benjamin F. G. Klien, JR; and 3 by Walter C. Casler. If there is anything contained in these that could shed further light for you please let me know. I know that was not a logging railroad.
Colin,
As far as the PA logging series, book #3 “Ghost Lumber Towns of Central Pennsylvania” covers Laquin and Masten. I think the book you are referencing is “Story of the Susquehanna & New York”, by Edward Kaseman. You’d want the 3rd edition updated in 1979. Copies appear from time to time on Ebay. Another useful reference is “Pennsylvania Railroad’s Elmira Branch” by Bill Caloroso. There is a chapter on the S&NY in that one, but it is out of print and much sought-after by Pennsy fans. If you can find a copy under $100, grab it.
Mike H.
Would you allow your photo of the PRR bridge in Ralston (2013/09/15/ralston-pa) to be posted on the website BridgeHunter? https://bridgehunter.com/
Geoff,
No problem, as long as you credit the site somehow. Just be aware the bridge has been replaced by a new concrete structure.
Was wondering if you had any suggestions when modelling 119 in ho scale
I am a collector and researcher of the Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain Railroad and saw your site about the Susquehanna and New York Railroad with a bunch of modelling articles.
H&BTMRR 35 was later sold and renumbered as 119, and was wondering if you knew of of any ho scale model of 119/35 on the market
I understand 119/35 would be a hard model to come by because of its massive 66 inch drivers
William, I know of no HO scale model of the 119, nor have I seen anything close, in plastic or brass. You’re right, it would be a tough one to model short of a scratchbuild.