Phillipsburg Railroad Historians, Inc.
PO Box 5104, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865

AUGUST 2003 NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIII NUMBER 8

      The regular monthly membership meeting of PRRH will be held on Wednesday night August 27, 2003 at 7:30pm at the Alpha United Presbyterian Church. Refreshments are being provided by Louie Badolato and Mr. And Mrs. Dick Lonie. Entertainment by Budd Sauselein will give you a few glimpses of Phillipsburg in the past and we will finish part two of the Bethlehem Steel tape started last month.

JUNE 2003 WORK HOURS REPORT by JOHN WARD
In June, there were 142.5 hours on site and 32 hours off site for a total of 174.5 hours. Hours year-to-date are 913.75.

IN MEMORY OF EDGAR 'ED' MEYERS 1934-2003
      It seems our lives are filled with lost opportunities, sometimes things we wished we had said, or moments that stole the words from our lips. I can never say enough about a fine man of steel, that of Ed Meyers, beloved member and director of PRRH. Ed left us behind on July 26, after a gallant fight with a failing heart. Ed was security to us all, a man never afraid to face a situation head on. As much a diplomat as a gentleman, you could never pull something over on Ed without a fight. I will always admire him for his ability to listen to reason, even after a heated discussion at the decision table. He was open to listen, a trait rarely found in most people. On the other hand, Ed was happiness, a cup of coffee and a handshake. He took pride in providing the amenities that have made our group so hospitable. Ed was a leader, and leaders serve their fellow members selflessly. And serve us he did. Ed's spirit will live on. I will miss his deep booming voice. We will see him at the coffee station, and under the pavilion at the park. His hospitality to the Directors will be missed, for we all had great respect and admiration for this man. It just won't be the same without Ed. We all extend our deepest condolences to Ed's wife, Joan, his family, and especially to Pete and Robin Terp.

      With Ed's passing, I'm proud to report that 26 past and present PRRH members called at the funeral home, offering their condolences to the family. Joan Meyers kindly expressed her desire for all incoming donations be sent to PRRH in Ed's memory. Thanks, Joan.

      Phillipsburg Railroad Historians' members have answered the call to help in many ways. It seems so long ago that we had our summer Open House on July 13, with 24 volunteers taking from their time to create yet another success, especially with an unusually cool and clear day only adding to the grandeur of the event. Ken Brown brought a motor car for all to experience and enjoy. Earle Brotzman's circus wagon and layout added much color. The North Jersey Electric Railroaders manned their ever-improving Public Service trolley 2651 and assisting in safety for the C&S RR passengers. Lehigh Valley Chapter NRHS men did their usual superb job of thrilling guests aboard and along the 1922 Mack Chestnut Ridge Rail bus, all the while attending to arriving passengers at the Centerville station stop. The Carbon Model Railroad Society brought along their fine Pennsylvania theme HO layout of equipment manned by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mack and Dale Steigerwald. Glenn Terminelli surprised us with his restored farm tractor. The Centerville and Southwestern Railroad hosted some 102 riders, many taking repeat trips. In addition to the above mentioned attendees, we salute Tom Scharpf, Lou Badolato, Charlie Bowlby, Bob and Evelyn Bennington, Steve Winter, Rich Frantz, Bob Marinelli, Jim Mack, Frank Sattler, Rod Laresh, Derek Long, Bill Toyka, Tony Hall, John Ward, John Boner, and Paul and Meg Carpenito. Our gift shop enjoyed similar success.

      The Friday night Olde Town Festival of July 25 scored some huge gains in ridership on the C&S RR with at least 209 riders, a new all-time record, especially considering a period of only three hours. We thank the following members for coming out to work the train: Meg Carpenito, Glenn Terminelli, John Boner, Frank Sattler, Tom Scharpf, Charlie Bowlby, Lou Badolato, Jim Danner, Bob Marinelli, and Bill Pensyl.

      PRRH is looking for a volunteer to attend the monthly URHS meeting held in Garwood to represent us. We are very grateful to Budd Sauselein for his dedication in the past to this task.

      The juvenile hearings continue as with regard to the arson fire set on our CNJ caboose. Determination has not yet been made with regard to restitution. A Director will be present at the restitution hearing should the hearing be necessary. An erroneous article in the Express-Times leads the reader to ascertain that PRRH will realize $8000 in damages from restitution. Our estimate to repair was taken out of text, as only a portion of that would be realistic to attain when the case is determined. We have had a challenge keeping no trespassing signs up and standing, but we have installed metal signs on the engine house in both directions that cannot be reached or vandalized.

      Full-size track work continues despite some soggy work days with the switch work in progress. The museum building continues to see renovations in progress. We have been clearing years of accumulated junk with the intended results beginning to show as the effort continues. Phase 1 of the progress has been completed as the new center rolling door and accompanying platform and steps are now in use.

      PRRH will again renew the yearly dues paid to the URHS for representation.

      The Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission will have our final grant payment of $100 forthcoming as the final financial report has been accepted.

      We told you recently of our application to the Warren County Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund. The project is labeled; 'Application for Stabilization and Rehabilitation of Phillipsburg Railroad Historians Museum Building'. The initial application folder has been accepted as complete. In September, your president will go before the Board to explain our needs with regard to the above named subject. We are in need of outer siding and roof replacement.

CENTERVILLE & SOUTHWESTERN NEWS

• Members and guests will find the C&S RR ticket office in a new coat of brown paint. The project is about 75% complete as of this writing and will debut on September 21.
• Our fall Open House will be heralded as Centerville & Southwestern Heritage Day on September 21.
• Pauline Becker's gracious donation of precious Becker artifacts will be showcased in a new and improved setting designed for young and old to view.
• Our C&S RR authentic ticket punch will be used for tickets to ride the train.
• Equipment will be on display on the turntable spur.
• Advertising will be sent to West Essex area.

PHILLIPSBURG RAILROAD HISTORIANS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

August 27	Membership meeting
September 21	CENTERVILLE & SOUTHWESTERN HERITAGE DAY fall Open House
September 28	Dieruff train show at Allentown/PRRH display table

      I hope to see you all soon. I am always thrilled to see some of the faces that don't often come. I realize we all have obligations and jobs, but it is refreshing to come out, have a cup of coffee, and find out why you joined the most progressive railroad group in New Jersey.