upper southampton
Southampton Railroad Station Society will hold its first Holiday Railfest on Dec. 11.
A devastating railroad accident that took place 89 years ago will become a tangible reminder of local rail history next month when the Southampton Railroad Station Society unveils a model of the 1921 Bryn Athyn rail accident at its first Holiday Railfest on Dec. 11.
At 6 feet long, the scale model will be the centerpiece of an array of exhibits by historical and local railroad-related groups. It shows two trains that collided head-on, spilling hot coal into a remote hilly pass in Bryn Athyn. The wooden coaches caught fire, and several victims could never be identified because their bodies were too badly burned, said Charles Liberto, a society member whose father survived the wreck. The incident involved residents from several area towns, including Newtown, Upper Southampton and Bryn Athyn.
Liberto said he expects 1,000 people to attend event at the North and Southampton Reformed Church at 1380 Bristol Road in Upper Southampton. People who died in the wreck are buried in the Churchville Cemetery, which is adjacent to the church.
"We're hoping the Railfest will take off and become an annual event. Lots of notable people will be involved," Liberto said.
Relatives of wreck survivors will share their accounts of the accident, in which 27 people died and 65 were injured. Someone will portray Miss Phoebe Snow, a late 19th century mascot of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. She'll wear her characteristic white dress to prove how clean anthracite coal burned in the company's passenger engines.
Families can meet Santa Claus and enjoy an operating model train layout. Vendors will sell model trains and food. There also will be live music and face painting.
The Bryn Athyn Post Office is releasing a special stamp depicting the wreck, said Liberto.
"We're also trying to get a historical marker at the site of the wreck," he said.
The society is raising money to restore the historic Southampton Railroad Station. Tickets to the Railfest are $3; there's no charge for children 12 and younger.
Manasee Wagh can be reached at 215-949-4206 or mwagh@phillyBurbs.com. Follow Manasee on Twitter at twitter.com/manaseewagh.
Story provided by: phillyburbs.com
Southampton Railroad Station Society will hold its first Holiday Railfest on Dec. 11.
A devastating railroad accident that took place 89 years ago will become a tangible reminder of local rail history next month when the Southampton Railroad Station Society unveils a model of the 1921 Bryn Athyn rail accident at its first Holiday Railfest on Dec. 11.
At 6 feet long, the scale model will be the centerpiece of an array of exhibits by historical and local railroad-related groups. It shows two trains that collided head-on, spilling hot coal into a remote hilly pass in Bryn Athyn. The wooden coaches caught fire, and several victims could never be identified because their bodies were too badly burned, said Charles Liberto, a society member whose father survived the wreck. The incident involved residents from several area towns, including Newtown, Upper Southampton and Bryn Athyn.
Liberto said he expects 1,000 people to attend event at the North and Southampton Reformed Church at 1380 Bristol Road in Upper Southampton. People who died in the wreck are buried in the Churchville Cemetery, which is adjacent to the church.
Relatives of wreck survivors will share their accounts of the accident, in which 27 people died and 65 were injured. Someone will portray Miss Phoebe Snow, a late 19th century mascot of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. She'll wear her characteristic white dress to prove how clean anthracite coal burned in the company's passenger engines.
Families can meet Santa Claus and enjoy an operating model train layout. Vendors will sell model trains and food. There also will be live music and face painting.
The Bryn Athyn Post Office is releasing a special stamp depicting the wreck, said Liberto.
"We're also trying to get a historical marker at the site of the wreck," he said.
The society is raising money to restore the historic Southampton Railroad Station. Tickets to the Railfest are $3; there's no charge for children 12 and younger.
Manasee Wagh can be reached at 215-949-4206 or mwagh@phillyBurbs.com. Follow Manasee on Twitter at twitter.com/manaseewagh.
Story provided by: phillyburbs.com
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