One of the many benefits of utilizing the trail system created and maintained by Chautauqua Rails to Trails is an appreciation of our county’s railroad history. A day that lives in infamy is Christmas Eve, 1872, when a Buffalo, Corry and Pittsburgh train went off the trestle, causing the passenger car to fall 25 feet, crash, and burn. Twenty-one lives were lost. Many descendants of the victims keep the dark day in mind even today.

Chautauqua Rails to Trails will continue its tradition of commemorating the tragedy at the site of the accident. Attendees will convene at the Prospect Station trailhead on December 24^th at 2 p.m. The trailhead is located at the intersection of Prospect Station Road and Fish Road. For
GPS purposes the trailhead is near 7000 Fish Road, Westfield, N.Y.

After a ¼ mile hike to the accident site, Chautauqua Rails to Trails President Emeritus Jim Fincher will speak and relate the story of the tragic event. Current CR2T President Bill Ward will speak as well and perform his original composition, “Christmas Eve at Prospect Station” which he co-wrote with Mike Bratt.

Upon return to the trailhead, refreshments will be served. Memberships will be offered. This year the organization will also offer its secretary Wendy Lewellen’s fundraising book, GOOD SOLES: Chautauqua Rails to Trails Namesakes and Trailblazers. She will sign the books and donations are appreciated. The book profiles the individuals for whom the various trail segments are named. It also honors the people who worked so very hard in the 1990s and beyond, to establish the almost 30-mile trail system. $27.95 check or cash is the suggested donation. Credit cards with shipping options are available at chaurtt.org. 100% of proceeds benefit CR2T.

The book is also available at Webb’s Candies and Gifts and Truffle Honey Market in the Mayville/Chautauqua area, at Loud Performance in the Maple Springs area, and this Saturday at Portage Hill Gallery between Mayville and Westfield. 

For more information call 716-753-2800 or refer to the organization’s website and Facebook page. All trail, railroad, and local history lovers are welcome.