As a child, I remember reading a fairy tale entitled, "Seven-League Boots" and being fascinated by it. The premise was that if one were to wear such boots, one could travel seven leagues in a single bound. Clearly, the story was told before our time, when the idea of rapid transit was but a fantasy. The memory of that idea, however, would remain and, blessed by the power of human commitment, would, over time, evolve to produce the realization of cars, trains, and flying machines.
There is no doubt that railways played an important role in the development of our nation. There is also a huge romantic component which is still evident today as the mere mention of the names of the great railway companies continues to inspire awe in those who still celebrate successful shuttle launches, historic feats on battlefields and the election victories of great men who would go on to lead our nation to its present position as one of the world’s super powers. This parabolic rise in America’s fortunes can in no small part be attributed to the role played by its railroads.
As a child, I had always had an electric train in my arsenal of toys. My grandfather was an engineer for the SBB (the Swiss National Railroad). On my insistence, he would take me quite regularly to the switching yard in Zuerich to watch the trains maneuver gracefully over a virtual blizzard of switches and rails. At one time, I knew more about locomotives than I knew about my school mates; my family; myself, even. Sometimes I could even claim to ride the trains knowing that my grandfather was at the controls.
There’s no need to go all the way to Strasburg, PA to delve into (U. S.) railroad history. The Whippany Railway Museum is right here in our own tri-state area. Officially they’re only open Sunday’s 12–4, April through October. I myself have never visited there during those particular hours. It’s mostly outdoors; and anyone can park near-by and walk over to the tracks where the locomotives and rolling stock wait silently for some spark to signal a return to motion.
The Mission Statement of the museum reads in part: “(We are) dedicated to preserving the heritage and history of the railroads of New Jersey through the restoration, preservation, interpretation and operation of historic railroad equipment and artifacts from New Jersey and the immediate vicinity.”
It’s a great place to take pictures of these ancient beasts that clearly have weathered so many seasons exposed to the elements. There are always cars in the process of being re-painted, their once proud logos infused with fresh color. It really does send a shiver up one’s spine to walk among the old sleepers, the dining cars, the great engines and cabooses; tangible symbols of an exciting, but now by-gone era. Or is it by-gone?
Just as cheap oil has made railroads into an afterthought, expensive oil may yet bring them back. Any nation must have an efficient way to move its people and its goods. Clearly, we now stand on the cusp of a decision about what to do when running our cars and trucks becomes prohibitively expensive. Perhaps a revived railway system will become a part of the solution. As such, the Whippany Railway Museum may not only afford us a glimpse into the past but also show us what’s ahead.
For directions, fees, schedules and events consult their website: www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net
Peter Koelliker pkoelliker8@yahoo.com
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