Greater Oneonta Historical Society to Celebrate Railroad History

The Greater Oneonta Historical Society will observe the 130th anniversary of the founding of Railroad Brotherhood with a series of events this weekend.

On Saturday, Hartwick College professor Lisle Dalton will speak at 2 p.m. at the Oneonta History Center. His presentation is titled "Railroad Memories: Narrative to Nostalgia." Dr. Dalton will speak on the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and other railroad brotherhoods, and then more broadly explore stories that relate to railroads as they have been preserved in folklore, music, historical markers, etc. The program is free and open to the public.

On Sunday afternoon, there will be a 130th anniversary observance at 2 p.m. at the Red Caboose in Neahwa Park. Speakers include Mayor Richard Miller, railroad historian Jim Loudon, and Sam Nasca and James Stem, state and local representatives of the United Transportation Union, which the BRT is now part of. The event is free and open to the public.

At 3 p.m., there will be a bus tour of Oneonta railroad history. The bus will leave from Francis Marx Drive in front of the Red Caboose. The Itinerary includes the Delaware & Hudson station, the Ulster & Delaware station, Cooperstown Junction, the trolley station in West Oneonta, and the roundhouse grounds. Railroad historian Jim Loudon will be the guide. Bus tickets are $8 ($5 for GOHS members) and include a tour booklet.