Who Sue Vickroy, Bradford Historian,
What Program: Bradford: Largest Railroad Hub west of Pennsylvania
Where Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society
123 W. George Street, Arcanum
When Thursday March 10, 2016 7 p.m.
Contact: Barb Deis, 937-678-7832
Sue Vickroy, local Bradford historian, will present the program "The History of Bradford, The Railroad Town", March 10th, 7:00 p.m., at the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society.
Bradford's beginnings were humble yet grew to be the largest railroad hub west of Pennsylvania. At Bradford a major rail line running from the East Coast split into two lines, one to Chicago and the other to St. Louis. These lines were strategic in the Eastern rail system. Bradford also boasted a freight yard, facilities for fueling and servicing steam locomotives, and a facility for repairing freight cars
"My family is a railroad family. My Grandpa came from Italy to work on the railroad. My Dad came over to America as a child", said Sue. "My Dad worked 46 years on the railroad here. I am a railroad brat raised in Bradford. "
The railroad employed many people who manned the trains, worked in the switching yards and in the roundhouse where steam locomotives were kept and maintained between runs. The crewmen who did not live in Bradford would stay over at the Railroad YMCA while they waited for a return trip to their home terminal.
Sue will share stories of the building of the town, people who lived the railroad life, the beginning of the end, and the rebuilding of a community. Bradford is nestled off the beaten path, it sets on the county line of two counties, Darke and Miami.
Join us to learn more of Darke County's history and enjoy light refreshments.
AWTHS is located at 123 W. George St. For more information, contact Barbara Deis 937-678-7832
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