Celebrate the Chatham Railroad – March 24th
Chatham Historical Society
As a part of the Chatham Historical Society’s (CHS) centennial events the society is recognizing the importance of the railroad to Chatham’s development. Residents of all ages are invited to join the society on Sunday, March 24 from 2-4 p.m. at the Chatham Train Station to celebrate the history of the railroad and its impact on the growth of Chatham to the town that it is today. The festivities include a recreation of a 1930’s picture of Chatham residents celebrating the arrival of the first electric train. Everyone is welcome to be part of the picture for future generations to enjoy. Old pictures depicting the evolution of trains through Chatham will be on display and refreshments will be served.
The first steam powered train reached Chatham arriving from Newark in 1837. The train service allowed passengers to travel to and from Newark in about two hours. From Newark travelers could take a boat to New York City. The Morris & Essex Railroad began service to their own Hudson River waterfront terminal in Hoboken in 1863. Fast and easy ferryboat connections made quick round trips to Manhattan a practical thing and the day of the suburban commuter had begun.
Many changes and improvements were made over the years. In 1914, tracks through Chatham were elevated, eliminating street level crossings. A new train station was built at this time, one that still serves Chatham commuters 110 years later. Growth in passenger traffic necessitated further improvements, and on December 18, 1930, the first electric train arrived in Chatham.
The upgrading of the electric trains through Chatham opened up the possibility of achieving another dream: direct passenger trains into New York City. On June 10, 1996, train 6604 from Dover was the first train to stop in Chatham and then proceed directly into Penn Station, New York.
Historical Society is planning multiple events for the centennial. Information regarding the upcoming events can be found atChathamnjhistoricalsociety.com. Anyone interested in helping out with the events can email at chathamnjhistory@gmail.com. Society is looking for designers, organizers, artists, actors, worker bees, and creative individuals to join the fun!
