Notice: We are working on a new script to allow comments to be stored concerning each individual Picture.. It may take some time, but we are actively working on it.. Most all the old comments are stored for now. John
————————————————————————————————————————————————–
For those who tracing their GENEALOGY. Employment records are very hard to find.. If there are any, then they would be at these sites:
Please Note: If you have Lehigh Valley Railroad Photo’s or anything else of value that you would like to share. Then I would be glad to post them with a credit to you.
WANTED : Pictures of LVRR employee’s. If you have a relative who worked for the LVRR and you would like to honor that person, I would be glad to post their picture and information on the employee’s page.
John W. Campbell
At this web site you will be able to access Lehigh Valley Maps, many pictures of locomotives, diesels, stations and many other pictures. Included will be a complete 1947 Lehigh Valley Time table.
The Lehigh Valley Railroad was born out of the need to have a reliable transportation of Anthracite Coal from the coal fields of Pennsylvania to the industrial area’s in the East. The Lehigh Valley Railroad was combination of many smaller lines either purchased or merged into the system. By the turn of the century, the railroad extended from Jersey City, N.J. to the Terminals at Niagara Falls N.Y. and Buffalo, N.Y. (Tifft Terminal) in the West. The Railroad was famous for it’s premier train The Black Diamond Express which ran from New York City to Buffalo N.Y.
The Lehigh Valley Railroad 1947 timetable shows the Lehigh as having three Divisions. The Buffalo Division to the West, The Wyoming Division in the middle and The New York Division to the East. In earlier times the Lehigh had two other divisions the Seneca out of Sayre and the Mahanoy and Hazleton division out of Hazleton. However by 1947 these additional divisions had been folded into the three divisions above.
The New York Division covered the area from NYC and Jersey City, Bound brook, Bethlehem all the way to Lehighton Pa. The Lehigh Valley Operation’s Headquarters were at Bethlehem, Pa.
The Wyoming Division covered most of the coal area’s between Lehighton, Pa. Including Wilkes Barre, Pittston, Hazleton, Mehoopany, Wyalusing, to just south of Athens, Pa.
The Buffalo Division handled traffic from Athens, Pa. to Sayre, Pa. to Geneva N.Y. and onward to Buffalo and Niagara Falls, N.Y.
I am Dedicating this page to all the former Lehigh Valley Employees, who for over a Hundred and Thirty years strived to make the Lehigh Valley one of the best railroads in this country.
I also was an employee of the Lehigh Valley as was my Father ( A. Wayne Campbell ) before me. The Lehigh was a great railroad, and I enjoyed working there for those years. Railroads like the Lehigh Valley no longer exist, this great railroad is greatly missed by all.
John W. Campbell
SEND ME MAIL
SEND ME MAIL
Thanks to all these great references:
A HISTORY OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY RR., “THE ROUTE OF THE BLACK DIAMOND” BY : ROBERT F. ARCHER.
LV IN COLOR, VOLUMES 1 AND 2. BY: ROBERT J. YANOSEY
LVRR RAILROAD, THE NEW YORK DIV. BY: MIKE BEDNAR
UPSTATE ODYSSEY, THE LEHIGH VALLEY RAILROAD IN WESTERN N.Y. BY: MARY HAMILTON DAHN
LEHIGH VALLEY MEMORIES. BY: DAVID MARCHAM
THE HANDSOMEST TRAINS IN THE WORLD
PASSENGER SERVICE ON THE LEHIGH VALLEY RAILROAD. BY: WM. T. GREENBERG, JR. AND FREDERICK A. KRAMER
LV IN COLOR, VOLUMES 1 AND 2. BY: ROBERT J. YANOSEY
LVRR RAILROAD, THE NEW YORK DIV. BY: MIKE BEDNAR
UPSTATE ODYSSEY, THE LEHIGH VALLEY RAILROAD IN WESTERN N.Y. BY: MARY HAMILTON DAHN
LEHIGH VALLEY MEMORIES. BY: DAVID MARCHAM
THE HANDSOMEST TRAINS IN THE WORLD
PASSENGER SERVICE ON THE LEHIGH VALLEY RAILROAD. BY: WM. T. GREENBERG, JR. AND FREDERICK A. KRAMER
Mr.Cambell your email link does not work. I am a author working on a book about a small town railroad. I need a your expertise. I need to know about days gone past. I would be ever grateful for your help. I plan on putting the book on Amazon Kindle in Oct. I would like build a report with you so that I may send you some questions to answer.
Please let me know.
Paul Robert Ceretto
My uncle Guy Horton was on the Diamond up into the 50′s, my father fred Lord worked in the round house at Sayre pre-war. Any information on either would be appreciated.
Many of my family members were employed by the LVRR. My grandfather was foreman at the Manchester NY Yard. Uncles and my own father worked in the area of Buffalo and Manchester. I’m trying to find out if my great-grandfather worked on the Leigh. I have a photo booklet that includes employees enjoying a party on the premises, at Manchester, I would assume. I do not know the year, but would guess the 1950′s.
i was hiking a trail that went through great meadows and liberty new jersey. they said it was an old rail road that came from pa. does anyone know what the name of it was. some said it might be the leighhigh vally rail road
thanks mike
As a boy of about 10 I rode the last train to leave the Noxen tannery on the lehigh valley bowmans creek division,in approx 1963. My father knew the enginer, so my brother and I took a ride from Noxen to Hanson’s amusement park which was about 4 miles,and got of the train under the roller coaster,to everyone’s amazement. The train ,I think it was one box car and one gondola car pulled by a small diesel engine. Is it possible to find out what the engine number was? I am sure it was in the summer. Thank you.
Jim I Believe the engine # 140
there is a video on Harveys Lake.org
MY DAD HAD WORKED FOR THE LEHIGH VALLEY RAILROAD FOR 10YRS IN THE TRAFFIC DEPT IN CHICAGO ILL..THIS WAS IN THE EARLY 60′S. I FEEL THAT IT WAS ONE OF HIS MOST HAPPIEST TIMES AND REALY ENJOYED HIS JOB. YOUR WEB SITE BROUGHT BACK MAY MEMORIES.
TED DEBONIS
What a great website! I have rarely seen so much information on one site.. and well organized too. I used to railfan the Lehigh Valley in Sayre some 40 or so years ago and your website brings back great memories..Regards, Jay Winn
My Dad was an engineer on the Valley. I worked for a couple of years in the roundhouse at Oak Island in the late 60′s.
Looking back we somehow managed to keep the power running. The older guys were talented machinists,electricians steam fitters and laborers. We younger guys were the muscle.
My biggest regret was not taking pictures or movies. If anyone out there had a relative who worked there I may have some knowledge about them.
Ken Bulger
I knew a Paul Bulger,we worked together many times on the 7am newark job,i remember when he got bite by a rat while filling water bottle for the loco.he was a GOOD man,and good engineer. Jimmy D
I remember you Jim . My brothers and I were just kids when he was bit by the rat. When he went to the Hospital he was allergic to the shot they gave him
and that complicated matters.
I loved how my mom called the Lehigh the Leaky Valley because of it’s constant money problems. I always wondered how it continued to run.
The only answer is the employees. Engines that should have been turned into scrap were kept running by every mechanical and electrical trick known to man.
You fellows on the line worked wonders long before two way radio.
I met a retired Con Rail Boss several years ago he said “those Valley Guys were a pain in his rear but that they were great railroaders.” I laughed and told him it was all in the family. He said said “yeah it was a family road.”
Happy Thanksgiving Jim and Thanks for the good words about my Dad. He always loved the Valley and the guys.
Kenny Bulger
justgettingaquainted.enjoyedthesitewillfollow
My Grandfather Barney Murphy wortked for the LV RR out of Rochester. He started as a fireman on to a breakman and ended his 49 years of survice as an conductor. Anyone out there might have information on theses routes or maybe new him.
Marty
To Melissa Rawlings: Call the Railroad Retirement board. 877 772 5772.
I would be very much interested in any information and pictures of the Lehigh Valley Railroad’s Elmira and Cortland Branch.Are there any possible way that there are any former LVRR employees or perhaps any that traveled over the branch? Again any information or pictures will be greatly appreciated.
My grandparents traveled from Varna to Elmira,N.Y. on the Lehigh Valley’s Elmira and Cortland Branch about 1915. Thank you for any inforamtion.
Best regards, Gaylord Ewing
Great site, just found it. I worked in the the Bethlehem Office in the Transportation and Payroll Dept. from 1962 and retired from Conrail in 1996.
The LVRR was a great Railroad. I remember your father.
Hello.. My grandmother, Marie Dunning was an accountant for Lehigh Valley Railroad. She past away Nov ’84. Leaving behing my gradndfather Gary. He now has dimensia and my family does not know what happened or where her pension is. I am hoping you could please provide me with who we need to contact to discuss this matter. Thank you very much and any information provided is greatly appreciated. Melissa
I am 81 years old and was a passenger on the LVRR for years every weekend from New York to Easton Pa. (At that time I would travel alone, 13 years old) After school Friday afternoon, would take the train to Easton and then the Bus to Riegelsville Grandparents house. At the time I knew the conductor and if we missed a weekend he would want to know where we were. What memories this brings back. I remember the windows had to be shut going thru Jug Town Mountain tunnel because of the smoke. When there was time going home on Sunday we would be able to visit the dispatcher at Easton.
Growing up and working in Depew , NY ( Buffalo) I remember the old red LV engines and the white ones ! I remember them going by the Depew ice rink as we practiced or played during the winter !
I just came across your website.I would be very much interested in seeing any pictures of the “Elmira and Cortland Branch”.Specially,the Swartwood, Erin, and Breesport,N.Y. stations. A few years ago,I actually did find and toke pictures of what was left of trestle near Swartwood,N.Y.
I’ll say thanks ahead of time,and look forward to any pictures of the “Elmira and Cortland Branch”.Also any pictures of the LVRR crossing in Horseheads going to Breesport,N.Y. The crossing would be crossing over the Ithaca Road.Thanks.I grew up in Breesport,N.Y. back in the 1960′s.
Best regards,Gaylord Ewing
I am trying to find info/articles on a LVRR wreck that killed by great aunt Fannie Palmer and another woman – Clair Sincebaugh – on Dec 3, 1903 at Pearson Crossing near Ithaca NY. It was a buggy wreck into a LVRR steam engine. Any info is appreciated. Patty Palmer
I am surveying land next to the RR in Piscataway near Harris Steel. Where do I get ROW maps?
This is a great site. Brings back old memories when i worked for the Valley.
Even brings a tear to my eyes. Is there a way to send photos by e-mail to you. Would like to share with other folks.
Thanks—-Steve Schiefer—-Lackawaxen, PA
My Great-Grandfather John Ballentine Randolph of Easton, Pa. was a Baggage Master and Conductor for the LVRR in the 1880′s. He died in 1915 and his obit mentions his position with the railroad.
Our family goes back 3 generations on the LVR. My great grandfather was in the Sayer shops, my grandfather spent his whole life on the locomotives, my uncle was a conductor and switchman. When I was 5 years old my father would put a name tag on me give me to the conductor in Rochester, NY and told them to put me off in Sayer.
I will send you pictures and more detail later.
Thanks for the great site
My sister was born on the Lehigh Valley Railroad on June 28,1931. The porter on the train suggested that they call her Harriet as that was the name of the car in which she was born. Her birth certificate states she was born enroute,destination Pittston Pa. Mother said she delivered going by the mountain that was later named Joe Palooka Mountain. My Uncle(a doctor) and my Aunt (a nurse) accompanied her and aided in the delivery. Mom said the only one that was nervous was the porter. We are celebrating her 81st birthday this year.
Wonderful site, I have submitted a photo for you! My gr Grandfather
William Marriott Haver worked at Lehigh Valley at the turn of the century.
I am searching for history,photos, maps on the route 440 branch in Jeersey City my next book. The LV was important to Jersey City and I would like very much to be able to do more on the LV. Hope to hear from some of you. Thank you, Charles Caldes
My Dad Paul Buss worked for the Lehigh valley RR from 1930 until 1942. He started in Bethlehem PA and then to Manchester NY. He was a telegraph operator and worked in the tower. I also have pictures of him at the levers in the tower. David C Buss
Looking for any photographs or 8mm footage of Geneva Junction onto the Ithaca branch. Grew up in Ithaca and recall passenger service at the Ithaca station. Never rode the train. My father worked for Robinson-Mohawk Airlines.
Any assistance is greatly appreciated!
Sorry can’t help you with the photographs or film, just thought I’d comment… my Grandfather Phil King who grew up in Trumansburg loved to tell of how he would ride the train into Ithaca, then get onto the trolly to visit his Grandmother and/or go to the fairgrounds when he was young.
My grandfather, Harold U Richards, worked for the Lehigh Valley railraod in Easton, PA and my cousin and I use to make trips with him in the mail car from Easton to Pittston. We always ate at the lunch counter in the Easton station and the lady who worked behind the lunch counter became our friend…can’t remember her name…any help from readers? Great memories of train life in the 1950′s and 60′s.
My grandfather worked for L.V.RR Co.,Jersey City, from 1956-1957,I was glad to find this website and the great information and pictures.I hope more pictures will be posted.Thank you.
i WORKED WITH AL AND JOE IN JERSEY CITY,LOOK AT PAGE 5 OF SENIORTY ROSTER,AND FIND THEIR NAMES.
Is there any information about as the railroad was being built? Or any accidents in the towns it went thru?
My uncle was a lineman on the Lehigh’s Seneca Division between 1922 and 1932. Before he passed away in 1994 at age 90, he wrote his memories of those days, and they will be included in a book called “Lehigh Lineman,” scheduled for publication later this year. In the book, my uncle refers to the Seneca Division as extending from Manchester, NY to Pittston, PA in the 1920s, but I haven’t been able to confirm those geographical bounds in any LVRR histories I’ve read, so I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who might be able to shed some light on the subject.
Many thanks!
John Buchholz
John Buchholz: I am writing from the Book House in Jonesville, MI on behalf of a library customer who would like us to obtain 1 (one) copy of your book LEHIGH LINEMAN. Please reply to my email address with ordering instructions, or advise if you have a distributor. Thank you.
I am looking for information on th telegraph line installed about 1850 from Ithaca to Owego. This was one of the first Railroad telegraph installations. LVRR also installed an Inductive Telegraph to send messages to a moving train. Cayuta Station is inpotant in this story. Please let me know if you have any infomation.
Thank you,
Bruce
As one who, from time to time photographed the Lehigh Valley and model it in HO, I would like to see some one work to draw up scale plans for the roads buidings, etc. Also painting diagrams for diesels.
Fantastic website. Am really enjoying it. I worked in the Bethlehem Office of the LVRR from April 1963 and retired from Conrail in July of 1996 and the best way to describe all my years with the railroad is………”What a ride!!”
I’m working on a research project involving the LVRR and Conrail from 1965-1979 – would you be willing to be interviewed?
Did you know that the LV also had a Pottsville Division? Yes indeed it did. It tapped the southern coal fields, first trains operated in September of 1890. A website has been created. Enjoy!
I have few B&W photos of the Lehigh Valley railroad. These photos are of the private businees car that my great grandfather, Henry H. Kingston, had as the General Traffic Manager in 1900.
I can send these photos along, if you wish.
I researching information or details of a Lehigh Valley private business car # 354. This private car was assigned to my great grandfather, Henry H. Kingston, who was the general traffic manager for the LV RR in 1900. Also, does anyone know the status of car #354?
Just a comment. I am 80 yo and as a kid used to ride the LV each weekend from Penn Station, NY to Easton, PA most weekends to visit grandmother downriver in Riegelsville. It was the years 1939 and forward.
Walter,
My grandfather worked on the Lehigh Valley RR in Easton and I grew up in Raubsville just north of Riegelsville and spent alot of time in the passenger station with my grandfather.
As a Brakeman & Conductor I had the pleasure of working on the L.V.R.R. at Oak Island / Jersey City from 1974 until and throughout the Consolidation to form Conrail. You have done a Great Job of posting and recording some of my most memorable times. I really enjoyed seeing some of the faces of the men I had the pleasure to work with and the good times off the job. There is nothing like a trip down memory lane to bring a smile to your face. I will look in my archives to see if anything would be worthy of contribution ? , Mike Buchman
Hi Mike I remember working with you at Oak Island many, many years ago.
Keith
This is very interesting. My greatgrandfather, James H. Curran worked for the railroad early in the 20th century. He belonged to The brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Fireman Lodge 250 in Wilkes Barre, PA. He would have been employed from about 1895-1932. He died in 1935. My understanding his time of employment was just shy of the date when records were consistently kept. Any help finding anything would be appreciated. His death cert lists his occupation but not his railroad number. Peg S.
I knew quite a few Valley people as I was a General Road Foreman of Engines on the CNJ right before Conrail. Dick Whitehead, Vic Cole, just to name a couple. It was a fine road and I road it all over. I worked for the EL Railroad and huricane Diane hit we ran our freights on the valley from Sayre to Buffalo. Charlie Stone and I were Road Foreman on the EL and we had to ride our trains all the way from Sayre to Buffalo. This lasted I believe 2 weeks or so. Also road the Budd car on the Hazelton branch and all over the coal territory on a rail fan trip in the 50s I road the Black Diamond from Newark to Easton when I was a kid..I never saw sw8s with dynamic brakes before then. I met Cedric Major once in Allentown. Again the LV.DL&W,CNJ,D&H,ERIE will be missed by me…
Mike
Mike my grandfather George Leaser was road foreman on the CNJ in the 40s and 50s. He lived in Jim Thorpe Pa.Perhaps you knew him .My Father Vincent Fonzo was a locomotive engineer on the CNJ from the 50s to the early 80s.We lived in Newark.Ive always regretted not taking their advice to become a railroader.
Great website glad to see it again. Love the employee pictures.
Mr. Campbell,
I enjoyed viewing your website, you obviously take great pride. I am trying to map out some property in Tioga County, New York and in the deed where Lehigh Railroad sells the property that I am interested in they reference the following Railroad Valuation Station nos. 14029+20, 14024+20, 14031+75, 14098+23 and 14035+70. I am in need of some map, reference document or explanation that could help me determine the location of these Railroad Valuation Stations. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Charles HIll