I'm looking for a date on a company that goes back a few years before Conrail. Hoping someone here might have an idea of where to look? When was the Housatonic RR leased into the New Haven? I'm guessing the early 1890's? Thanks- BoxcabE50
The Housatonic ran from 1837 until July of 1892 when it was leased by the New Haven RR. I know there was tourist line operating under the name "Housatonic" back in the 80's. I'll see if they still exist although that might not help much. I have what would appear to be a conductor's hat badge (but it's flat) and it says, "Housatonic Railroad Company 1852". I think it's just a trinket from the RR museum and not that old really.
Appreciate the info. I was reading an article, (magazine in another room), I believe the February, 1994 issue of Railfan & RR. It has an article about the Housatonic being more or less 'reborn' when Conrail was abandoning some lines. Part of the original RR plus some additional other trackage. But in reading, the story jumps right past the lease without giving a date. Thanks- BoxcabE50
Hmmmm. I'm not sure about the museum anymore, but I do remember hearing something about the line being reborn now that you mention it. Maybe Pierce could enlighten us on what's going on in his neck of the woods. By the way, I got the info from a wonderful book called, "Railroad Names", printed back in '84. I believe it has info on more than 600 old railroads. Only dates of their start up and demise, with their predecessor roads mentioned also, but great stuff. Some of the names are classics too.
Ah yes. It's a hit: http://homepage.mac.com/housatonic/ Old Housatonic pass: http://www.exocoin.com/w-88-3.html
There is or used to be a Modern Day Housatonic, out in the Pittsfield Mass, west Conn area. I know they ran until a couple years ago. I don't know their story now though.
Check my link above. It still goes to Pittsfield. Pittsfield is a neat old industrial town. Enjoyed traveling through it and spending a quick night there.
