INVENTORY OF ABANDONED RAILROAD RIGHTS OF WAY NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REAL PROPERTY DIVISION REGION #2 COMPRISING THE COUNTIES OF: FULTON, HAMILTON, HERKIMER, MADISON, MONTGOMERY, ONEIDA. 1974 ATEMPl7837A
GLOSSARY BALLAST - Crushed rock or gravel, used in railroad beds to provide ground stability for laying ties and tracks. BERM - A longitudinal mound of earth used to deflect water; a narrow ledge or shelf, CULVERT - Any structure not classified as a bridge which provides an opening under any roadway. PRISM - As applied to canals, the entire area encompassing the sides which are parallelograms. TRESTLE - A braced framework of timbers, piles or steelwork for carrying a railroad over a depression. ABBREVIATIONS R.R. - Railroad Rte. or Rt. - Route R.O.W. - Right of Way E/S - East Side W/S - West Side B & M - Boston and Maine D & H - Delaware and Hudson P. C. - Penn Central
G. E. - General Electric Company
C. R. - County Road T/O - Termination/Origin
TABLE OF CONTENTS GLOSSARY AND AEREVIATIONS |^-R. II LI | | | S O O I O I @ I ` @ O ` I ' O ` I @ @ . O O @ | REGION #2 CASE STUDIES OF ABANDONMENT LOCATION MAP CODE PAGE 2 - 1 Lehiqh Valley |^-R.V. 2 - 1 DeRuyter-Canestota-Camden 2 - 2 Penn Central ^|^-R. 2 - 5 Vernon Village to Utica 2 - 3 Penn Central |^-R. . . . . . |^-R. . . 2 - 7 Earlville-Madison-Onondaga County Line 2 - 4 Penn Central x. . . . . . . |^-R. 2 - 9 Canastota-Onondaga County Line 2 - 5 Penn Central |^-R. 2 - 13 Camden-Oswego County Line 2 - 6 Penn Central |^-R. ;-. ; |^-R. 2 - 15 Prospect-Poland 2 - 7 Penn Central |^-R. 2 - 17 Little Fal1s-Dolgeville-Jerseyfield Lake 2 - 8 Old Forge-Fulton Chain |^-R. 2 - 19 Thendara to Old Forge 2 - 9 Penn Central |^-R. 2 - 21 Raquette Lake-Eagle Bay-Clearwater 2 - 10 Unadilla Valley |^-R. . |^-R. 2 - 23 Bridqewater to Chenango County Line 2 - 11 N.Y., Ontario & Western (West Branch) |^-R. 2 - 25 Randallsville-Oswego County Line 2 - 12 N.Y., Ontario & Western (East Branch) |^-R. 2 - 29 Utica-Ear1ville III
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) LOCATION MAP CODE PAGE 2 - 13 New York State Railway Systems, Inc. . . . 2 - 33 Utica to Little Falls Utica to Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 36 2 - la west share |^-R. 2 - 38 Harbor to Utica 2 - | | | I O I @ I @ ` ` I I O I @ @ O O 2 3 | South Little Falls to South Fort Plain 2 I- | | | | I I ` O ' @ I I @ I l @ 2 '_ | Oneonta to Jordanville to Mohawk 2 - 17 Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville |^-R. 2 - 43 Amsterdam, Gloversville, Fonda Sulfur Springs Junction 2 - 18 Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville . . . . 2 - he Broadalbin Junction to Northville 2 - 19 New York Ontario and Western . . . . . . . 2 - ga Rome to Clinton 2 - 20 New York and Oswego Midland . . |^-R. . 2 - 56 DeRuyter to Chenango County Line 2 - 21 Penn Central |^-R. . . . . . |^-R. 2 - S? Remsen to N. Hamilton Ca. Lin= LIST OF MAPS 1. REGIONAL OFFICES AND BOUNDARIES , . |^-R. . V 2. REGION #2 ABANDONED RAILROAD RIGHTS OF WAY LOCATIONS . . , ,.. , . . , . 9 2 - 59 IV
A. Approximate length 45 mi.
B. Approximate width of right of way varies 60' - 100'
C. General Conditions
Old Mill Road (Cortland County Line to Stanton Road) 1/4 mile - 100' ROW trestle out over Old Mill Road - clear - house trailer on ROW - depot intact - privately owned - 5 acres sold to Agway Corp. - ROW siding
Stanton Road to Hunt Road - l/2 mile - 100' ROW clear - passable - bridge and trestle intact.
Hunt Road to Smith Road - l/2 mile - clear - passable - trestle intact - appears that the ROW has been sold.
Smith Road to Smith Road - l mile - 75' - 100' ROW - clear - walkable - no rails - ties on Signal facilities - good condition.
Smith Road to Kinney Road - 2 miles - clear - fence on ROW - no ties - no growth.
Kinney Road to New Woodstock Village - l mile - 100' ROW Weber Road (dirt) crossed ROW - 2 farm crossings - depot in - fair condition - purchased by private interests.
New Woodstock to Delphi Road - 1.5 miles - 100' ROW clear - passable.
Delphi Road to Thompson Road - l mile - Po0' ROW clear - passable - no ties.
Thompson Road to West Ballina Road - l/2 mile - clear - bridge in over Chittenanqo Creek.
West Ballina Road to Lane Road - l mile - 75' ROW - overgrown - impassable in places - fenced - no ties - rails - signals - west shore RR (Old Chenango Branch) crosses here.
Lane Road to Village of Cazenovia - 2 miles - 100' ROW clear - passable.- some fencing - ROW purchased in places within village limits and is being graded - depot purchased by Cazenovia Lumber Co. - bridge in over creek - ROW claimed by the village.
Village of Cazenovia to Bingley Road - 3 miles - 75' - 100' ROW - clear - passable - bridge out over Bingley Road - follows Chittenango Creek - very windy section.
Bingley Road to Carey's Hill Road (Chittenango Falls) 2 miles - 100' ROW - overgrown - pasture land - fenced in two places.
Carey's Hill Road to Perryville Road - overgrown - fencing - agricultural.
Perryville Road to Quarry Road - 3 miles - ROW plowed under - agricultural - clear - passable - 3 fences - ROW 60' wide - many outs as ROW follows ridge of hill - passes through Worlock Quarry - obliterated by stone and sand piles - rookslide section - water line on ROW runs to quarry - ties placed in piles.
Quarry Road to Nelson Road - 2 miles - overgrown - private fences at road crossings - walkable. Nelson Road to Village of Canastota - 3 miles - three bridges intact - passable - in village - ROW Sold - occupied by commercial properties.
RECORDED TRANSFERS
| N. Y. Power & Light | 295 | 88 |
| N. Y. S. Appropriation | 307 | 193 |
| Arthur E. Turner | 374 | 297 |
| American Telegraph & Telephone | 619 | 57l |
| Cazenovia Lumber & Coal Co. | 629 | 15 |
| Canastota Term. Corp. | 637 | 340 |
| Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. | 642 | 231 |
| Lawrence R. Cary | 642 | 574 |
Village of Canastota to South Bay - Abandoned 1938 - 8 miles - 50' - 75' heavy overgrowth - impassable - parallels the main line of Penn Central to the Canastota High School - ROW occupied by athletic field - visible for Several hundred feet and is occupied by the NYS Thruway - heavily overgrown and almost impassable - trailer and garage on ROW.
This section runs through a Swamp and because of this, the insects make an intolerable condition.
South Bay to NYS Barge Canal - 2 miles 50' ROW - ROW under artificial Canal passes through Verona Beach State Park and used as a boardwalk - lightly overgrown and passable - numerous camps - bridge out over Barge Canal - NYS Department of Transportation is excavating sand from ROW, underneath bed.
N.Y.S. Barge Canal to Town of Vienna - 2 miles - 75' ROW l/4 mile paved road`names Harbor View Drive - heavily overgrown - passed through swamp - Town of Vienna purchased ROW and the town garage new occupies it.
Town of Vienna (Town Barn) to McConnelsville - 3 miles - 75' ROW - parallels Route l3 - east - l mile - Swings north along Kimball Road - crosses Carter Road - runs parallel to Route 13 to McConnellsville - light to heavy overgrowth - passable - several small bridges and culverts out - large bridge out at McConnellsville - depot in good condition - ROW occupied privately - power line easement.
McConnellsville to Camden - 6 miles - 75' ROW - heavily overgrown - barely passable by foot - ROW crosses Trestle Road and there exists the remains of a large trestle 2000 ft. long - ROW crosses Route l3 - parallel to the operating Penn Central - in Camden ROW disappears and becomes Lehigh Street - Niagara Mohawk Power Station - remains of the old depot - Second depot is privately owned - ROW ends at junction of the new abandoned N.Y. Central ROW.
A. Approximate length 25 mi.
B. Approximate width varies
C. General Conditions
Vernon Village to Rte. 26 - clear and drivable with agricultural lands on both sides of the R.O.W. Ties and rails have been removed. Two bridges over small creeks are in. Route 26 to Dean South Street - Clear, drivable, ties and rails removed. Agriculture on both sides of R.O.W. Bridge out over Deen South Street.
Dean South Street to Route 233 - Trestle in over Station Hill Road. Clear, ties and rails gone. Agriculture and wood lands on both sides of R.O.W. Near Route 233, farmer has fences across the R.O.W. and is using the land for pasture.
Route 233 to Village of Clark Mills - Clear and bridge in over Oriskany Creek. Feed mill appears to occupy some of the R.O.W. since some of the railroad bed has been graded. Village of Clark Mills to Route 5A - clear, ties and rails removed. Bridge over Route 5A has been removed. Residential properties near R.O.W. in some spots.
Route 5A to End of Abandoned Line - Clear, bridge out over Burrstone Road. Trailers and houses to the east of the R.O.W. Otherwise, clear with ties and rails removed.
This abandoned Right of Way is mostly clear and drivable except for the four bridges out and the spots where fencing crosses the Right of Way. The closer the Right of Way gets to the City of Utica, the more residential units there are near the Right of Way. Otherwise, Agricultural use is on both sides of the Right of Way.
Vernon to Utica
| Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. | 1385 | 449 |
| Lawrence Reich | 1785 | 380 |
| Vito Loconti | 1549 | 439 |
| John Fiore | 1549 | 439 |
| Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. | 1897 | 301 |
| Chester Pohl | 1867 | 96 |
| Vernon Town | 1914 | 177 |
| Frank LeChevet | 1853 | 317 |
| Town of Kirkland | 1848 | 19 |
A. Approximate length 25 mi.
B. Approximate width varies
C. General Conditions
Earlville-Madison-Onondaga County Line (Old Chenango Branch) ROW fence visible - no rails - no ties
Route 20 to Ballina Road - Plowed under - paved - houses on ROW - some clear & passable
Ballina Road to Nine Road - Fence across ROW - used as pasture - partially overgrown
Nine Road to Hardscrabble Road - Fence at Nine Road - camp on ROW - clear & Driveable to camp - bridge out - heavily overgrown - plowed under in spots
Hardscrabble Road to Ereeville Road - Plowed under - fences in many spots - crosses 2 bridges out - culvert bridge in - residential on east - agricultural on west - bridge out over Side Street in Erieville - water tower intact.
Erieville Road to Sheds Corners Road - Bridge out
Erieville Road to Sanderson Road - Bridge out over Erieville Road - heavily overgrown - agricultural on both sides
Sanderson Road to Georgetown Station - Very heavily overgrown - washed out - 10' ROW left - ROW has been excavated used as pasture - station intact
Georgetown Station to Town of Lebanon Line - ROW plowed under - used as pasture - fenced
Town of Lebanon Line to Fish Road - N.Y.S. Electric Power Line on ROW - overgrown - fenced in
Fish Road to Stowell Road - ROW plowed under - heavily overgrown
Stowell Road to Village of Lebanon - Power lines leave ROW - bridge in over Creek in Lebanon - ROW used as public road - depot used as community hall
Village of Lebanon to Deep Spring Road - heavily overgrown - junk cars on ROW - pasture land - fences
Deep Spring Road to Earlville - Two bridges out - pastureland - fences - house trailer on ROW
A. Approximate length 15 mi.
B. Approximate width varies
C. General Conditions
Canastota - Beebe Bridge Road - 1 mile - 100' width - l bridge out - stone abutments demolished - light overgrowth - no evidence of private fencing - ROW fence intact - appear l mile distance.
Beebe Bridge Road - Conaseraga Road - Appear 3 miles 100' width - moderate grass growth - runs approximately parallel with existing Penn Central and Old Inter-Urban grades - part of bed closest to Penn Central tracks has been graded away to make more room (to mile length) - bed passes through Swamp - much flooding and high growth - passage difficult - 3 bridges out - no evidence of private ownership - ROW fence mainly intact.
Conaseraga Road to Fly Road - 3 miles - l00;l50' ROW - depot and station intact at North Chittenango - owned by Niagara Mohawk - used as a power station and Storage area - ROW and bed intact - well kept - further on grass growth moderate - l bridge out - level and mostly driveable.
Bolivan Road to County Line - 75-100' ROW - 4 miles - 2 culverts out - good condition - clear & driveable.
This overall section is in good shane due to recent abandonment - few selloffs - mostly driveable - no signal facilities evident - near urban area - definite possibilities for successful transportation - recreational use.
WEST SHORE RAILROAD Canastota to Onondaga County Line
| Niagara Mohawk | 570 | 457 |
| Niagara Mohawk | 576 | 109 |
| Madison County | 586 | 524 |
Canastota to Onondaga County Line
| Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. | 589 | 167 |
| Madison Mfg. Corp. | 624 | 778 |
| Village of Canastota | 635 | 671 |
WEST SHORE - CHENANGO BRANCH
| Utica Gas & Electric`Co. | 304 | 801 |
| Charles O. Niles | 323 | 386 |
| Deal L. Coo | 323 | 387 |
| John J. Ryan | 322 | 537 |
| Frank A. Cook | 322 | 549 |
| Horace H. Smith | 322 | 549 |
| Edward L. Andrus | 322 | 553 |
| Henry E, Graves | 322 | 574 |
| Oscar C. Herbster | 323 | 495 |
| Lewis C. Bodley | 323 | 498 |
| Dairymen's League Coop. Assn., Inc. | 324 | 10 |
| Harold J, Evans | 324 | 29 |
| Koss P. Wallace | 323 | 582 |
| Charles W. Nash | 324 | 281 |
| Lehigh Valley Railroad Co. | 325 | 357 |
| Elton J. Palmer | 325 | 360 |
| Edward L. Andrus | 324 | 417 |
| Ernest L. Benedict | 327 | 1 |
WEST SHORE - CHENANGO BRANCH
| Lynn C. Barton | 326 | 352 |
| Mary C. Burton | 327 | 199 |
| Max Friedland | 326 | 548 |
| Elton J. Palmer | 326 | 573 |
| Henry A. Berlin | 327 | 380 |
| Dairymen's League Coop. Assn., Inc. | 326 | 585 |
| Sally H. Knapp | 326 | 587 |
| Donald Parker | 329 | 52 |
| David B. Utter | 329 | 116 |
| Roderick J. Virgo | 334 | 310 |
| Frank Marion | 341 | 124 |
| Teneyck Wendell | 345 | 431 |
| Jane S. L. Pemington | 346 | 158 |
| Katherine B. Hartt ` | 346 | 154 |
| Robert F. Hubbard | 346 | 149 |
| Ida Ball Muther | 346 | 162 |
| Robert P. Anguish | 347 | 256 |
| Pay H. Purston | 347 | 392 |
| Jennie V. Lombard | 348 | 40 |
| Earl R. Buckingham | 357 | 302 |
| D. Donald Norton | 367 | 148 |
| Clifford A. Winans | 379 | 232 |
| Peter J. Ranking | 410 | 119 |
| Peoples Ice Co. | 425 | 225 |
| William A. Kimber | 431 | 250 |
| Dennison W. Pogers | 444 | 12 |
| Moses Crank Co., Inc. | 459 | 287 |
| Clifford P. Westfall | 469 | 462 |
| Rush Nourse | 481 | 253 |
| Charles Nash | 499 | 415 |
A. Approximate length 9 miles.
B. Approximate width of right of way 75' - 100'.
C. General Conditions
Camden to Mexico Street - l/2 mile - one section from Lehigh Street through Camden Wire is owned by Camden Wire and indicates sale of l/4`mile ROW, Remainder of ROW is available for sale per search and letter from railroad. Light overgrowth.
Mexico Street to Penny Mix Road - three cattle passes out - large bridge over Fish Creek out - little overgrowth - good condition - ties in - bed washed out in one place.
Penny Mix Road to Curtis Road - three cattle passes out - private fencing across ROW - ties in - moderate overgrowth - 2 miles.
Curtis Road to Town of Westdale - eight cattle passes and bridge out - ties in - no rails - 3.5 miles.
Town of Westdale - ROW widens to about 150' to include three different beds: one appears to be the New Main Line, one the Old Main Line and one, a siding - in Westdale, three depots in good condition, one totally demolished - foundation remaining.
Town of Westdale to North Amboy Road - 1 mile - ROW narrows to about 75±' - no ties - no rails - trailer on ROW - appears to be an encroachment - three culverts out - two cattle passes out - one dirt access road crosses ROW - light to heavy overgrowth - passable - low swampy on both sides - many small creeks cross ROW.
North Amboy Road - County Line - 1.5 miles - low and swampy - high grass growth - l bridge out - 2 cattle passes out - poor condition.
Overall from Camden to the Oswego County Line - ROW was abandoned in 1956 and is in fair to good condition - renovation would not be overly difficult due to recent abandonment.
Summary
This section is in fair condition. The ROW is clear and only lightly overgrown. Most facilities have been removed including under-tract cattle passes allowing only foot traffic. Renovation would include extensive rebridging.
Camden - Oswego County
| Camden Wire | 1732 | 565 |
| Camden Wire | 1872 | 17 |
| Village of Camden | 1909 | 685 |
A. Approximate length 9 mi.
B. Approximate width 100±'
C. General Conditions
From Prospect to Remsen - Light to heavy overgrowth - ties in - no rails - R.O.W. fencing visible in places - much of the R.O.W. is owned by Niagara Mohawk Power and other private interests.
From Dover Road to Military Road - Privately owned - clear, driveable - two bridges intact, one out where R.O.W. crosses Hinokley Road - bridge in over Beeches Road.
From Beeches Road to Plumb Road - Heavily overgrown From Plumb Road to Poland - R.O.W. is obliterated and covered by Quarry waste material beyond this and into Poland - R.O.W. is overgrown - no ties - no rails - then meets the operating Penn Central that runs to Herkimer.
SUMMARY
This line is in poor condition. Nature has taken its toll and in addition all facilities are virtually gone. The State has built roads on the bed north of Prospect. Renovation of the whole distance would thus be impractical.
New York Central Prospect - Poland
| New York State | 1069 | 495 |
| Central N.Y. Power Corp. | 1280 | 263 |
| Edward Hinge | 1672 | 159 |
| Regenald Polk | 1706 | 484 |
| Frank Fisher | 1272 | 319 |
A. Approximate length 20 mi.
B. Approximate width 60' - 100'
C. General Conditions
Little Falls to Hanoock Street - ROW heavily overgrown - no ties or tracks
Hancock Street to Bidleman Road - trestle out
Bidleman Road to Dookey Road - 500'± trestle intact except few ties have been removed - ROW crosses private lands - privately fenced
Dockey Road to East Creek Road - 300'± trestle out - ROW clear to lightly overgrown - some junk cars on ROW several farm crossings - considerable distance driveable
East Creek Road to Hilts Road - clear - wet in some spots - driveable - intact overhead wooden ROW crossing for farm purposes
Hilts Road to Route 167 - clear - driveable - 2000' trestle out - farm crossings - industrial and residential on both sides of ROW where crosses Route 167
Route 167 to Spencer Street - gas line easement across ROW along Route 167 - clear - driveable - residential on east side of ROW
Spencer Street to Military Road - clear - driveable - one private fence across ROW - bridge out over Military Road
Military Road to Snedd Road - ROW occupied by private industry - runs along Route 29 - heavily overgrown
Shedd Road to Fairview Road - heavily overgrown - impassable in places - bridge out over Salisbury Creek - ties still in - no rails
Fairview Road - where observable, heavily overgrown but predominantly obliterated by overgrowth. Because of the remoteness of this area, no further effort will be made to find this ROW. Aerial photos faintly show the ROW but it is felt that personnel with the necessary equipment and knowledge in wilderness technique be used to search for this ROW. It should be noted that this ROW, if intact, could possibly be of great value to the State and is well worth investigating. According to Penn Central letter of 7/6/71, part of this railroad has been sold. A title search has revealed no sales at all.
SUMMARY
From Little Falls to Dolgeville the Railway bed is hampered by the removal of several large trestles and the installation of private fencing. Facilities are removed but the bed remains essentially clear. Renovation of this line would involve substantial detours around the large trestle areas.
Dolgeville to Salisbury Center is in less accessible condition. More heavy growth coupled with several dismantled bridges hamper travel. Renovation would involve much clearing of growth and rebridging.
Salisbury Center to Jerseyfield Lake is virtually hopeless. The years of abandonment center around 1920. Growth is so heavy and the terrain so difficult that the bed all but disappears. Aerial photos indicate the route only in the higher elevations. Experienced woodsmen would be necessary to accurately plot the route. Renovation is, at present, probably not feasible.
A. Approximate length 4 mi.
B. Approximate width variable
C. General Conditions
ROW passes through commercial and residential property - obliterated in places - heavy to lightly overgrown - passable by walking or driving in sections - power line easement - several private fences - no rails, but ties are still in place in many sections - bridge out over the Moose River - many of the Town of Old Forge roads are on the ROW, namely, River Street and Jay Tract Road - Old Forge sewage treatment plant on ROW - at First Lake all paved over.
N.Y. Central R.R. 326 520 Old Forge Electric Corp. 3ll 53
SUMMARY
The majority of this ROW is obliterated and occupied. Renovation would involve much clearing on ROW acquisition. The ROW is presently in use as a snowmobile trail which is quite active in the winter.
A. Approximate length 20 mi.
B. Approximate width varies
C. General Conditions
Raquette Lake to Eagle Bay - This portion of the ROW and all buildings are owned by Dennis Dillon of Raquette Lake. He has sold off a considerable portion of the ROW in 400' x 100' parcels and these are now occupied by private camps. The entire length of the ROW is driveable. There is a dump and many junk cars on the ROW.
Eagle Bay to Clearwater - This portion is owned by the Town of Webb and much of it is used as a bridle path, bicycle and snowmobile trails. It has no rails, no ties and varies from clear to overgrown - most all is passable.
Penn Central New York Central Carter Station to Raquette Lake
| Town of Webb | 325 | 149 |
SUMMARY
Renovation of this route would be possible due to its present uses. The railroad bed is mostly clear and usable.
A. Approximate length 15 mi.
B. Approximate width varies
C. General Conditions
Bridgewater to Forks Road - 2 ½ miles Tracks in for l/2 mile and being used by Penn Central. Ties and rails removed. R.O.W. clear, walkable but used as farmland. R.O.W. width 66±, two bridges in over small streams.
Forks Road to Turnpike Road - 2 miles Clear walkable, some private fencing, 2 bridges out.
Turnpike Road to Leonardsville - 1.2 miles In Leonardsville, paved over and used as village street, Used car lot on R.O.W. Depot intact used commercially. R.O.W. here owned privately with commercial business operating. In this section, power line poles are on R.O.W.
Leonardsville to Chenango County Line - 10 miles Clear, some fencing, obliterated in places by being plowed under. Depot in West Edmeston is used as community hall. Junkyard on R.O.W. near West Edmeston. Much of the R.O.W. here parallels Route 8 so closely that it appears the road is on the R.O.W. and is obliterated for long stretches.
SUMMARY
This line probably is not within the realm of restoration due to the poor condition and the fact that it parallels Rte. 8 for such a distance as to make use hazardous for recreational activities.
Unadilla Valley Railroad All sales located in Town of Brookfield
| Leonardsville Dairy Co. | 218 | 58 |
| Bordens Condensed Milk | 237 | 469 |
| Ellis I. Talbolt | 246 | 143 |
| C. Howard Norton | 477 | 176 |
| I. L. Richer Co., Inc. | 582 | 468 |
| Blaettlar Brothers | 584 | 549 |
| Daniel Ward | 585 | 418 |
| Edwin Metcalf | 586 | 369 |
| Ray E. Aldrich | 586 | 369 |
| Barrett T. Welch | 586 | 383 |
| David R. Ward | 587 | 16 |
| Walter E. Slosek | 587 | 92 |
| Charles B. Corbin | 587 | 544 |
| Seward M. Gates | 587 | 588 |
| Allan M. Spooner | 588 | 3 |
| Laverne A. Maine | 588 | 223 |
| Morris H. Sharson | 588 | 437 |
| Rupert Beach | 589 | 505 |
| Willi Hillebracht | 611 | 534 |
| William E. Allen | 614 | 498 |
| Madison County | 619 | 498 |
| John Williams | 619 | 636 |
| Madison County | 621 | 300 |
| Harold C. Whike | 622 | 286 |
A. Approximate length 40 miles.
B. Approximate width l00'.
C. General Conditions
Randallsville-Hamilton Road to Armstrong Road - l mile - 100' ROW agricultural - bridge out at Armstrong Crossing - no ties - no rails - fencing moderately overgrown.
Armstrong Road | Church Road - 1 mile - 100' Row - heavily overgrown - fencing across ROW - no ties - no rails.
Church Road to Hamilton Hill Road - l mile - ROW clear - no rails - no ties - 100' ROW fencing - still visible - 1 fence across ROW - junk and other debris on ROW - used as pasturing fenced at Hamilton Hill Road.
Hamilton Hill Road to Eaton Station - l mile - Eaton Industries own the depot and trestle - agricultural - no rails - no ties 100' ROW.
Eaton Station to Brown Road - l mile - overpass out - wooden bridge crosses over ROW used for farm vehicles - 100' ROW - no rails - no ties.
Brown Road to Cole Road - 3/4 mile - bridge out - fencing - light overgrowth - no rails - no ties - power line easement.
Cole to Morrisville Station - ties in and intact - heavy overgrowth with weeds - no ROW fencing in existence - Rt. 20 crosses at this point.
Morrisville Station to Whites Corners - light underbrush - fenced - used for pasture - agricultural growth.
From Whites Corners to Pecksport represents a connecting link between the west and east branches of the O & W.
Whites Corners to Pine Woods - no ties - no rails - clear power line easement - N. Y. S. Electric & Gas - 3 farm crossings on Rt. 20.
Pine Woods to McQueen Road - overgrowth - private lawn.
McQueen Road to Rts 26 - junk yard - junk oars - overgrowth - no rails - no ties. Rt. 26 to Wendover Road - clear - no rails - no ties - corn field - fenced across in two places.
Wendover Road to Peoksport v bridge out - used as farmland - overgrown with brush and weeds - no rails - no ties.
Rt. 47 to Rt. 49 - resuming the west branch heading NW fenced - light overgrowth - bisected by Rt. 49 - becomes private lawn to fence.
Lynch Road to Quarry Road South - fenced off on private land - water on ROW - ROW at widest width 200' - narrows to 100' - mostly elevated - pasture land - house on ROW - no growth.
Quarry Road South to Quarry Road North - heavy overgrowth at beginning - clearing to no overgrowth.
Quarry Road North to County Rt. 40 (Mosquito Road} - clear - little or no growth.
County Road to Mosquito Road to Haslaver Road - light growth - bridge out - ROW wire - 150± ROW fencing - farm crossing.
Haslaver Road to Sullivan Road - light growth to heavy - ROW fence visible - open culvert - farmer's ROW - bridge out - ROW elevated 100±'.
Sullivan Road to Graves Road - fence across ROW - ROW fence visible - agricultural - 2 farm crossings.
Graves Road to Peterboro Road - clear - used as pasture - fences.
Peterboro Road to Middle Road - ROW clear - bridge out over Oneida Creek - several houses on ROW in Kenwood - ROW passes through a golf course - 2 bridges out.
Middle Road to Rt. 5 - clear - 2 fences across ROW - partially paved city street to Oneida city dump.
Rt. 5 to N. Y. S. Thruway - commercial building on ROW - ROW clear - through residential section - ties and rails still in place in some sections - two bridges intact.
Penn Central tracks to N. Y. S. Thruway - obliterated - partially paved over - trailer park on ROW.
Thruway to Oneida Creek - partially paved - overgrowth - bridge out over creek.
Oneida Creek - Randall Road - heavy overgrowth.
Randall Road to Foster Corners Road - clear - passable - bridge over Brady Brook in.
Foster Corners Road to old Erie Canal - clear of fence - heavy overgrowth - agriculture on both sides - bridge out over old Erie Canal.
Old Erie Canal to Rt. 3l - overgrowth - passable - agricultural - two bridges in.
Rt. 31 to Poppleton Road - driveable and clear - privately owned - bridge out over stream.
Poppleton Road to Oneida Street - owned by State Conservation Department, Verona Beach State Park - clear and drivable.
Oneida Street to N. Y. S. Barge Canal - overgrown - bridge out over canal - 500' span - both the Lehigh Valley and New York O & W crossed at this point on a joint bridge.
N. Y. S. Barge Canal to Harbor View Drive - mostly paved over and residential on both sides (Lehigh Valley Railroad leaves heading NE),
Harbor View Drive to McLanthan Road - clear to partially overgrown - residential on the west - woods on east.
McLanthan Road to Rt. 13 - clear - trailers on east - farm crossing - woods on west.
From here on owned by N. Y. S. Department of Transportation:
Rt. 13 to Rt. 49 - heavily overgrown - many private drives over ROW.
Rt. 49 to Mill Road - overgrown - bridge out over Mill Road - farm fence crosses ROW.
Mill Road to Hall Road - clear and drivable.
Hall Road to Widrig Road - drivable - 75% overgrown - walkable - agricultural.
Widrig Road to Hallenbeck Road - clear - drivable. Hallenbeck Road to Oswego County Line - clear - drivable.
Overall, the west branch of the O & W is in fair shape.
It is still possible to reclaim the ROW from the overgrowth. However, except for areas of State ownership, all is privately owned as is the east branch of the railroad.
Statewide Inventory of Abandoned Railroad Rights of Way
A. Approximate length 35 miles.
B. Approximate width 100±' to 50±'.
C. General Conditions
Remains of old round house and depot - privately owned - ROW totally obliterated by Rome Art, Hwy. - ROW visible at Lamphear Road where unaffected by arterial.
Mill Street - Lamphear Road - l mile.
Lamphear Road to Dix Road - l00' ROW - 2 miles 10% of ties in - rails removed - bed in good shape - walkable - light overgrowth - ROW fences intact and visible - easement for Buckeye Gas Line - private fences across ROW - agricultural - three bridges, 2 out, 1 intact.
Dix Road to Carter Road - 1 mile - 75' - no overgrowth - private ownership.
Carter Road to Eureka Road, Bartlett Church Intersections - 1 mile light overgrowth - ROW plowed under - agricultural - Niagara Mohawk Power line crosses ROW at right angle - three farm crossings - junk wagons and farm equipment litter ROW.
Eureka Road to N. Y. S. Thruway Bridge - 1 mile - 75' ROW - ROW intact - passable - private - ownership - no fences - passes under Thruway bridge, bridge out over creek.
N. Y. S. Thruway Bridge to Westmoreland - 75' ROW - l mile - ROW heavily overgrown, passable but very swampy - large bridge out at Westmoreland - post office which occupies the ROW - ROW passes over Rt. 233 and is obliterated - other side ROW is visible - moderately overgrown - fenced heavily - used as a dumping ground by adjoining owners.
Walesville Road in Westmoreland - rails and ties intact - bridge out - no depots - Westmoreland town barn now occupies ROW - overgrown heavily - passable on foot - junk and debris on ROW.
Stop 7 Road to Clark Mills - 3/4 mile - 75' ROW agricultural - bridge out - fenced in many places - obliterated by being plowed under for l/2 mile - bridge out over Oriskany Creek-- sewage disposal plant for Town of Clark Mills being constructed on ROW - ROW crosses abandoned West Shore Railroad - ROW obliterated where passes by Clark Mills Knitting Company.
Clark Mills Road to Rt. 5 - l mile - 100' ROW agricultural - fenced - heavily overgrown - standing water on bed.
Rt. 5 to Stephenson Road - l mile - light to heavy overgrowth - walkable and drivable - at Stephenson Road there is the Utica Spur - see below for details.
Stephenson Road to Clinton - l l/2 miles - 100' ROW good condition - drivable - no bridges out - fenced - heavily overgrown - passable on foot and passes through small housing development - two depots.
Utica Spur passes from Stephenson Road crosses l2B parallels Rt. 5B thru New Hartford - parallels east side of N-S Art. - tracks and ties intact - State owned - bed is good - light overgrowth - junk and debris.
Kirkland to Utica Spur Line - clear - agricultural - good condition.
Spur Line thru Village of Clinton - privately owned - buildings constructed on ROW.
Clinton to Deansboro - l00' ROW - 6 miles - bridges out over Oriskany Creek - light overgrowth - plowed under - agricultural private fencing - bridge out at Deansboro - clear and passable - junk cars on ROW. Deansboro to Van Hynan Road - 4 miles - depot at Deansboro owned by Earl Lumber Company - heavily overgrown - impassable in sections - no ties or rails - three bridges out.
Van Hynan to Oriskany Falls - 2 miles - 100' ROW - two bridges out - quarry owned and occupied by Eastern Rock - depot at Oriskany Falls privately owned.
Oriskany Falls to Elm Street - 50' ROW - clear - three bridges out - some sections flooded and obliterated. Elm Street to Bouckville - 3 miles - 100' ROW - clear - fenced in two places - pasture.
Bouckville to Hindman Road - 2 miles - 100' ROW - station privately owned - 90% plowed under - agricultural - power line. Intersection of Rt, 46 and 12B - Pecksport - clear - passable - drivable.
Rt. 12B to Woodman Road - 100' ROW - 2 miles - clear - walkable.
Woodman Road to Eddy Road - 1 mile - 100' ROW - owned by Hamilton Board of Water Supply - fences - farm crossing - bridge out.
Eddy Road to Smith Road - 2 miles 100' ROW - airport buildings - fences - plowed under in areas.
Smith Road to Lebanon Road (Hamilton) - private fencing - two depots in fair condition.
Lebanon to College Street - chain across ROW - clear - posts driven across ROW at College Street blocking egress or ingress.
College Street to Keefe Road - 2 miles - 100' ROW - farmland - enclosed with farm fences - no ties or rails - no ROW fences.
Keefe Street to Middleport Road - 1/4 mile (Randallsville) - bridge out - no rails or ties - plowed under - here the east branch of the O & W meets the west branch and they become 1 line heading south.
Middleport Road - Crane Lake Road - 4 miles - 100' ROW - large bridge out over Chenango River - plowed under for 1 mile and is part of corn field - deep woods - bed clear - several camps - chained intersection.
Crane Lake Road - Lebannon Road - 1 mile - 100' ROW - fully plowed under - agricultural - 1 bridge out over Chenango River.
Lebannon Road - Earlville - 3/4 mile - 100' ROW - heavy grass growth.
Earlville represents the district jurisdictional line.
Two depots remain standing in Earlville in good condition - used as a farm store. The east branch of the O & W is in fair shape. Renovation would not be difficult in any section except for the large bridges out and areas where the bed has been plowed under for agricultural use,
From Rome to Clinton the ROW would be particularly useful due to higher urban populations, At present, the ROW is a widely used snow mobile trail.
South of Clinton, the ROW is again in overall fair shape but in a less populated area.
A. Approximate length 20 mi.
B. Approximate width 50' - 75'
C. General Conditions
This railway, abandoned in 1933, is in almost a 90% state of ruin. The bed is intact for only a total distance of three miles, which is actually two segments of 2 ½ and ½ miles respectively. All ties, rails, depots and all but two power stations have been removed. There are no bridges intact. This three mile total of bed is the only bed visible. All other bed areas have been plowed under, paved over or obliterated by Route 5 construction in past years. Restoration would be impossible in all but the three mile area.
West to East
Utica - Mucky Run Road - 10 miles Totally obliterated by Rt. 5 arterial highway.
Mucky Run Road - Adams Street - 1/4 mile. This stretch is walkable on the east side of Muoky Run Road following a bridge that is out. The bed runs through a field behind two farms. As the bed approaches Adams Street, a power station remains standing, utilized as a garage. The bed is plowed up for a 100' stretch to Adams Street.
Adams Street to Frankfort Town Hall - ½ mile The bed is heavily overgrown but intact. The bed crosses Cemetery Street approximately half way in between the termini. Two bridges are out and as the bed approaches the Frankfort Town Hall, the bed disappears.
Frankfort Town Hall - East Herkimer - 5 miles Bed completely obliterated and grown over. No trace at all.
East Herkimer - Route 5 - 3 miles In East Herkimer a huge 300' concrete span across West Canada Creek remains intact, however, there is no bed on either side of the bridge and it is necessary to climb 15 feet up a slope to get on the bridge. Further on, 1,000', there are five houses, a State Police substation and a church built on the bed. Just beyond the last house, a bed appears that is clear and drivable for a distance of 2 ½ miles. Except for one bridge over a creek, the whole stretch is clear and is obviously driven frequently. One power station remains standing. As the bed approaches Rt. 5, there is one house built on the bed. At Rt. 5 all traces of the bed into Little Falls have been obliterated. The bed ran next to the now existing Amtrak mainline and would prove hazardous to travel even if in existance.
Restoration - The only stretch worth considering runs from East Herkimer to Rt. 5 and might make an interesting bicycle route. This stretch is heavily wooded on both sides and is quite scenic.
NEW YORK STATE RAILWAYS Sell-offs in Herkimer County Utica to Little Falls - Abandoned 1933
N.Y.S. Realty & Terminal co. 346 300 1. Grade crossing - N.Y.S. 35o 39,42,45,69,64 . Canal - N.Y.S. 349 364 . Roosevelt C. & Helen Manley 363 97 750. John w. Johnson 363 29 3,000. Georgq & Judith Rush 367 410 4,000. Charles M. Walker 379 35 4,500. Duane C. Waterman 380 525 3,000. Bernard E. Caills 384 353 2,750. Anthony Gabriele 385 250 3,600. Francis A. neaonn 385 338 2,000. Village of Frankfort 399 527 7,000. Central N.Y. Power Corp. 401 4O8 250. Utica Industrial Cofp. 402 29 13,000. Charles w. Childs 404 120 1. Charles w. Childs (Granter) to 404 207 . Utica Transit Corp. . . . All railway land in the City of Utica is now owned by the City of Utica.
A. Approximate length 14 mi.
B. Approximate width 50' - 75'
C. General Conditions
This railway, though abandoned in 1933, is in quite good condition, though only from Rome to Oriskany, a distance of nine miles. All ties and tracks have been removed, but the bed is clear and drivable for the whole length from Rome to Oriskany. There is a Niagara Mohawk gas line running under the bed the whole distance; the probable reason for the good condition as maintenance vehicles periodically patrol the bed.
Mill street Tunnells to Stanwix - 1/4 mile Bed is visible on the northerly side of the road as a flat open area. Clear and drivable to Stanwix where the bed disappears, having become part of Rt. 69. A bridge over the Old Erie Canal has been removed.
Stanwix Lumber Co. - Teuscher Road - a miles The bed is clear and drivable, quite scenic as it parallels the Old Erie Canal and Mohawk River. The land on both sides of the bed varies from agricultural to wooded to open field. Width remains at 50'.
Teuscher Rd. - Reber Rd. - 1 mile The bed remains in good condition and varies from agricultural to wooded on both sides. Erie Canal tow path is 50' north of the bed.
Reber Rd. - Thomas Rd. - 3 miles This stretch has a few wet areas, but nothing impassible. The bed remains clear and drivable. The Erie Canal continues on. Ruins of a few old foundations of Erie Canal houses remain and an old road crosses the bed, dead ending in the brush. At Thomas Road the bed is fenced. Several old depot ruins can be seen.
Thomas Road - Oriskany - 1 mile In this final stretch, the bed is agricultural on one side and fenced at several points, but the bed is clear and drivable except for the fencing. The Erie Canal runs alongside. As the bed approaches Rt. 69 just west of the Village of Oriskany, the bed becomes obliterated.
Oriskany-Utica Completely obliterated.
Recreational Possibilities: Immense - could be tied in with Fort Stanwix restoration in Rome as a bicycle path to the Oriskany monument. Erie Canal adds historical interest.
NEW YORK STATE RAILWAY SYSTEMS, INC. Rome - Utica Location Grantee Liber Page 1932 N.Y.S. Railways Utica Robert Gorman 923 377 1932 N.Y.S. Railways Deerfield Andrew Steates 931 55 193u N.Y.S. Railways Deerfield Andrew Steates 931 172 193u N.Y.S. Railways Whitestown County of Oneida 937 320 1934 N.Y.s. Railways whitestown oneida Bleaohey 945 146 1935 N.Y.S. Railways Whitesboro Jessies Rest 950 260 1936 N.Y.s. Railways Rome 963 97 1936 N.Y.S. Railways Rome Abe E. Nathan 963 99 1936 N.Y.s. Railways Rome 954 342 1937 N.Y.S. Railways Rome County of Oneida 979 88
A. Approximate length 5 miles
B. Approximate width of right of way varies greatly
C. General Conditions
This line was only abandoned one year ago in 1971. All of the rails, ties, and crossing signals are in place. The line is in excellent shape.
From Harbor to the City of Utica line, the railroad passes through a light residential area and some woodland. This section of approximately l ½ miles would be suitable for recreational use once the tracks have been removed. The right of way is approximately 60' wide and in excellent condition.
After the railroad crosses "old Route 5-S" (Bridge In) and enters the City of Utica, it passes through heavy industrial areas and heavily populated areas. The railroad crosses approximately 45 streets within the city at ground level. There is a bridge over Culver Avenue and a bridge over Bleeoker Street. These bridges are in good condition. The section of the West Shore which goes through the City of Utica is unsuitable for recreational use due to the high density of streets. It appears the best use would be to adjoining property owners for residential and industrial expansion.
WEST SHORE - TERMINI HARBOR TO UTICA SELLOFFS - ABANDONED 1971 ALL SALES IN ONEIDA COUNTY
Liber Page Grantee Amount 1924 967 Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. $10,000. 1916 79 City of Utica 15,000. 1916 79 City of Utica 33,590. 1910 173 Utica Urban Renewal Agency 15,000. 1906 661 Edward P. Flectcher 10,000. 194O 717 Nignalas P. & sadie A. Farina 5,500. 1942 285 Thomas J. Raiano 2,250. 1947 937 Jerry & Hershel Rosenblum 4,200. 1904 385 Carmine V. & Nancy Eannace d/b/a 6,000. 1944 381 Joseph & Jeanette Zumpano 8,750. 1946 825 Chicago Market Enterprises 20,000. Note: These sales involve only excess land along the mainline. No part of the mainline has yet been sold.
A. Approximate length 15 miles
B. Approximate width: minimum 100' extending in excess of 250'
C. General Conditions
This section of railroad was abandoned in 1971. The line runs with the Mohawk River and Barge Canal on the north and the Thomas E. Dewey Thruway on the south. The old Erie Canal is also very close to the right of way.
Approximately one and one-half miles east of South Little Falls the railroad passes directly in front of the General Herkimer Home which is a New York State Historical Site. Mr. Peterson, acting caretaker, expressed a strong desire to have the State purchase the railroad right of way in front of the house. He was concerned about vandals using the old railroad to gain entrance onto the park grounds.
South Little Falls, East to Finks Basin Rd. - The rails and ties are in place for approximately one-quarter mile, after that the rails and most of the ties have been removed. The right of way is clear and drivable. It passes through a deep cut area and then moves into the flat bottom area of the Mohawk River Valley. There is a traffic bridge over the ROW still in use. The bridge over Finks Basin Road is still in place and in good condition. This bridge consists of ties and a car is unable to cross over it.
East to Finks Basin Road to Rt. 327 - Clear and drivable. Rails and ties removed. The ROW passes in front of the General Herkimer Homestead and continues eastward.
The railroad parallels the old Erie Canal and the Mohawk River to the north and the Thomas E. Dewey Thruway to the south. The surrounding land consists of mostly woodland, farmland, and some swampy areas.
East to Rt. 327 South Fort Plain (end of abandoned line) - This section is also clear and drivable. The ties and rails have been removed. The ROW crosses Rt. 327 six more times at grade level. Near South Fort Plain the ROW goes under the Thomas E. Dewey Thruway and enters a business section.
Due to its recent abandonment, the West Shore Railroad from South Little Falls to South Fort Plain is all clear and drivable. This right of way would be excellent for recreational purposes such as snowmobiles and hiking. For the most part, the right of way passes through uninhabited areas except near South Little Falls, Mindenville and South Fort Plain.
As mentioned before, it would be in the best interest of the State to immediately purchase that part of the right of way which passes directly in front of the General Herkimer Homestead.
Sell-offs - According to Mr, William F. Krupinski, Real Estate Supervisor for Penn Central Transportation Co., there have been no sell-offs of this line.
A. Approximate length 16 mi.
B. Approximate width 100'
C. General Conditions
Village of Mohawk - railroad bed obliterated, houses and trailers on ROW.
Intersection of 168 & 28 - railroad bed obliterated, trailers on ROW, heavily overgrown. In some sections the bed is visible and clear and occupied by telephone poles and Niagara Mohawk gas lines, walkable.
State Highway Route 168 - occupies a portion of the ROW, there are telephone poles, it is heavily overgrown but passable, bridge out over Fulmer Creek, occupied by houses and trailers, clear, second bridge out over Fulmer Creek, walkable, overgrown, fenced, trestle out over Fulmer Creek.
From McCrealy Road - walkable, fences, plowed under, used for agricultural purposes, occupied by some power lines, houses, barns, etc.
Junction of Route 167 and Rock Hill Road - follows Rt. 167 on west side, fenced, walkable, light to heavy overgrowth, bed in good condition, occupied by power lines, private dump on ROW, Rt. 167 crosses ROW, plowed under, occupied by private road - Town of Warren town barn, power line poles to Jordanville.
At Jordanville the station and electrical shop are still standing and privately owned and occupied, Rt. 167 occupies a portion of the ROW.
From Jordanville south - still occupied by power lines, fencing, town road crosses, bed in good condition, visible, walkable and clear to light overgrowth.
Follows Rt. 167 - power lines still present, swamp on both sides, fences, clear, pastures, fenced, crosses Rt. 167, continues along Rt. 167, clear, walkable, visible, crosses Cullen Road, two bridges out by Cullen Road. Crosses Rt. 167, power poles still occupy, plowed under, occupied by house, barns and various buildings, barely discernible and in sections obliterated to the Otsego County Line.
Summary - The major portion of this ROW is in fair to good condition and could be used for public purposes.
Village of Mohawk to Village of Jordanville Liber 9 Page 272 Miscellaneous Records Notice of Abandonment
On June 28, 1933 by order of the Public Service Commission of the-State of New York.
Recorded October 15, 1956 in Herkimer County.
Southern New York Railways has abandoned all their right of way from the Village of Mohawk southward to a point approximately one mile north of the Village of Jordanville. These lands are reverted back to the original grantors, their heirs, assigns and successors.
Inventory of Abandoned Railroad Rights of Ways
A. Approximate length 12 mi.
B. Approximate width 60' - 100'
C. General Conditions
The Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville Railroad Company originally ran from Schenectady west through Amsterdam, Tribes Hill and Fonda. The line then went north, through Johnstown, Gloversville and ended at Northville.
Judson Zimmer and Judson Zimmer, Jr., both of whom are on the company's Board of Directors, stated the railroad still operates between the Village of Fonda and the Cities of Johnstown and Gloversville. They said the railroad has abandoned all of the remaining land east of Fonda to Schenectady and north of Gloversville to Northville.
The Zimmers said that the railroad has sold all of its abandoned right of way except two of three very small sections near Tribes Hill and Fort Johnson.
Description from Village of Fonda east -
Village of Fonda to Old Trail Road Clear and drivable, woodlands on both sides. All rails and ties removed
Old Trail Road to Switzer Hill Road Walkable. This section is used as pasture land with several barbwire fence lines crossing the ROW. All ties and rails have been removed.
Switzer Hill Road to Van Antwerp Road This section of ROW is now the Town of Mohawk's highway known as Stewart Road. Bridge in place over a small stream. All ties and rails have been removed.
Van Antwerp Road to Getman Road The ROW is visible and walkable. There is light overgrowth and agricultural on both sides. All ties and rails have been removed.
Getman Road to Route 5 Clear and drivable. It appears that this short section is used by snowmobilers and "mini-bikes". Undeveloped land on both sides of the ROW. All ties and rails removed.
Route 5 through the Village of Tribes Hill The ROW is hardly visible through the village and is occupied by residences and some commercial properties. Niagara Mohawk has purchased some of the ROW in the village and for a short distance, power lines and poles are on the ROW. Both station houses in the village have been demolished. All ties and rails are removed.
Route 5 to City of Amsterdam A bridge over Route 5 has been removed. After crossing Route 5, the ROW parallels Route 5 to the north all the way to Fort Johnson where the line crosses Route 5 and parallels Route 5 on the south into the City of Amsterdam. All ties and rails have been removed. This section passes through residential and commercial areas.
City of Amsterdam Within the City of Amsterdam, the railroad ran down the middle of Main Street. The rails are still visible in the road.
Amsterdam east to Schenectady County Line For about ½ mile the railroad passes through farmland with two fence lines crossing the bed. The tracks and ties have all been removed and the bed is in fairly good shape. The bed then comes back to Route 5. The section to the Schenectady County line has been acquired by New York State for the purpose of expanding Route 5 to a four-lane highway.
This section of the Fulton, Johnstown and Gloversville Railroad is in fairly good condition and certain parts between Fonda and Amsterdam could be used for hiking or snowmobiles. The land surrounding the ROW is generally agricultural except in villages and cities.
YEAR Liber Page Grantee 194O 245 108 Alden E. Eckler 247 100 van Antweys 1941 247 452 James P. Adams 249 209 Amsterdam, Chuctanunda & Northern R.R. Co. 247 350 Miller 1942 248 481 Leon A. Phillips 251 148 Langeau 1942 251 191 Village of Fonda 253 333 Socony Vacuum Oil Company 1944 259 85 John Bednarowicz 1946 263 147 city of Amsterdam 1947 263 386 Harold Sweet 265 193 Town of Amsterdam 267 73 May Dawson 270 211 Mohawk Carpet Mills, Inc. 270 319 Fred A. Herman 1948 274 85 Josephine Nikstenas 1947 274 313 George Jacobs 1950 278 234 Joseph Kiaunis 278 464 Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department 1951 283 122 Ada M. Swart 1952 287 118 Aldona Farley 1956 301 499 Tryon Oil Company 301 518 Town of Amsterdam 304 269 state of New York 1957 305 268 William a. Sarris 1959 322 217 State of New York 323 118 Walderman S. Raymond 1960 326 567 st. Cecelia Roman Catholic church 328 92 State of New York 329 243 State of New York 1961 333 142 Robert E. Dolan 340 529 State of New York 1962 340 530 State of New York 1963 347 109 State of New York 1964 355 19 Alphonse Weigel 355 418 state of New York 355 423 State of New York 355 428 State of New York 1965 359 491 Fonda Manufacturing Company
A. Approximate length 13 mi.
B. Approximate width 60' - 100'
C. General Conditions
This section of the Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville Railroad is a spur line which branched off near Broadalbin Junction and ran north to Northville, New York.
This line is very overgrown and very hard to find unless someone points it out. All rails and ties have been removed.
Broadalbin to Sacandaga Reservoir - The line generally follows Moore Road. There is very heavy overgrowth and large trees on the ROW. It is almost impossible to walk. The land on either side is agricultural. After crossing Rt. 30, the railroad enters Sacandaga Reservoir. The line has been covered by this man-made lake for approximately 6 miles.
Sacandaga Reservoir to Northville - The line crosses Bunker Hill Road and heads north through Sacandaga Park and onto Northville. The railroad parallels Rt. 30 to the east. The ROW is very heavily overgrown and hardly visible. Near Sacandaga Park there are several camps on the ROW. The abandoned station house is still standing at Northville.
This section of abandonment is not suitable for anything due to the very heavy overgrowth and general poor condition.
FONDA, JOHNSTOWN & GLOVERSVILLE RAILROAD Sell-Offs - Abandonment Began 1936 Order to Sell from U.S. District Court - 1938
Year Liber Page Grantee 239 173 Town of Amsterdam 1938 239 422 County of Montgomery 239 425 County of Montgomery 239 427 County of Montgomery 1939 24l 365 New York Power and Light 241 406 Town of Amsterdam 241 553 County of Montgomery 245 555 County of Montgomery 241 580 New York Central Railroad Company 241 583 Now York Central Railroad Company 242 346 Carmichael 242 395 New York Power and Light 242 429 Carl vieder 242 408 Van Antweys 242 420 Howard A. Dearaff 242 429 Ray P. Runkle
SELL-OFFS Fulton County Year Liber Page Grantee 1938 207 3l4 Johnstown Hotel 205 594 Truman Dunn 210 323 Pure Oil Co. 215 408 City of Gloversville 215 554 City of Johnstown 216 405 George E. Hartwell 229 125 Matilda Snyder 229 173 Belli A. Mendelson 229 185 Henry T. 0'Brien 227 487 Ethel A. Lindray 232 288 Corrir 236 375 state of New York 236 449 Silbertkows 238 208 Ben Lumber 237 407 R. Marsnall 238 270 Haggert 236 568 NYP 6 Light 238 441 Waring 239 120 Bert 239 121 Straws 238 464 Duffy 239 196 Billings 239 212 Muddle 239 229 Callahan 1938 239 305 King 243 292 Bloodgood 243 403 Jenkins 249 12 whitehoue 247 327 Blitz 247 348 Willson 249 392 Lurie 250 53 Silverstein 250 153 Jacobson 258 139 Spanish American Co. 258 583 Gloversville Knitting Co. 266 343 Yates 279 189 O'Connor 296 572 Kalbfeld 300 328 Rouse 304 576 N.Y.S. 304 578 N.Y.S. 323 89 Hulett 340 380 Fisher 348 268 N.Y.S. DOT 355 442 City of Gloversville 360 599 Niagara Mohawk 385 235 Adirondack Properties 370 558 N.Y.S. DOT 388 322 City of Gloversville 399 570 City of Johnstown 409 74 O'Connor 410 5 N.Y.s. DOT 414 576 Peters oil co. 419 599 Twin City Leather co. 422 531 N.Y.S. DOT 423 543 Cross 428 489 Levori 430 173 Leonardi 430 466 Peters Oil Co. 430 500 Arterial Realty co. 430 261 Solomon Wise 431 276 Sevar South Main St. 443 612 seltorf 449 122 Niagara Mohawk 453 42 Tueher 454 42 Smith 456 109 Fairbarts 460 517 Fuller Pary 464 637 Spanish American Skin Co. 468 334 craig 469 627 Tiverl City Leather 480 267 Mohawk Cabinet 482 1039 Breajjant 484 676 City of Jobnstown 1938 491 301 Twin City Leather 496 442 110 S. Main St. Div. Corp. 498 1161 Gloversville Urban Renewal 500 267 Jacobson
A. Approximate length 13 mi.
B. Approximate width 100' - 50'
C. General Conditions
Remains of old round house and depot - privately owned - ROW totally obliterated by Rome Art. Hwy. - ROW visible at Lamphear Road where unaffected by arterial.
Mill Street - Lamphear Road - 1 mile.
Lamphear Road to Dix Road - 100' Row - 2 miles 10% of ties in - rails removed - bed in good shape - walkable - light overgrowth - ROW fences intact and visible - easement for Buckeye Gas Line - private fences across ROW - agricultural - three bridges, 2 out, 1 intact.
Dix Road to Carter Road - 1 mile - 75' - no overgrowth - private ownership.
Carter Road to Eureka Road, Bartlett Church Intersections - 1 mile light overgrowth - ROW plowed under - agricultural - Niagara Mohawk Power line crosses ROW at right angle - three farm crossings - junk wagons and farm equipment litter ROW.
Eureka Road to N.Y.S. Thruway Bridge - 1 mile - 75' ROW - ROW intact - passable - private - ownership - no fences - passes under Thruway bridge, bridge out over creek.
N.Y.S. Thruway Bridge to Westmoreland - 75' ROW - 1 mile - ROW heavily overgrown, passable but very swampy - large bridge out at Westmoreland - post office which occupies the ROW - ROW passes over Rt. 233 and is obliterated - other side ROW is visible, moderately overgrown - fenced heavily - used as a dumping ground by adjoining owners.
Walesville Road in Westmoreland - rails and ties intact - bridge out - no depots - Westmoreland town barn now occupies ROW - overgrown heavily - passable on foot - junk and debris on ROW.
Stop 7 Road to Clark Mills - 3/4 mile - 75' ROW agricultural - bridge out - fenced in many places - obliterated by being plowed under for ½ mile - bridge out over Oriskany Creek - sewage disposal plant for Town of Clark Mills being constructed on ROW - ROW crosses abandoned West Shore Railroad - ROW obliterated where passes by Clark Mills Knitting Company.
Clark Mills Road to Rt. 5 - l mile - 100' ROW agricultural - fenced - heavily overgrown - standing water on bed.
Rt. 5 to Stephenson Road - 1 mile - light to heavy overgrowth - walkable and drivable - at Stephenson Road there is the Utica Spur - see below for details.
Stephenson Road to Clinton - 1 ½ miles - 100' ROW good condition - drivable - no bridges out - fenced - heavily overgrown - passable on foot and passes through small housing development - two depots.
Utica Spur passes from Stephenson Road crosses l2B, parallels Rt. 58 thru New Hartford - parallels east Side of N-S Art. - tracks and ties intact - State I owned - bed is good - light overgrowth - junk and debris.
Kirkland to Utica Spur Line - clear - agricultural - good condition.
Spur Line thru Village of Clinton - privately owned - buildings constructed on ROW.
Sell-Offs - Mr. Herman Caro purchased the entire New York, Ontario and Western Railroad Company right of way on November 24, 1957 for a price of $3,935,000. This deed is recorded in the Madison County Clerk's Office on Liber 545, Page 560.
A. Approximate length 8 mi.
B. Approximate width 75'
C. General Conditions
Village of DeRuyter - McClean Road - The bank is still visible and walkable. All the ties and rails have been removed. For about one-half mile the ROW passes behind some houses in DeRuyter's residential area. The line is used as pasture land with several fences crossing the line. Three or four small culverts have been removed. After leaving the pasture land area there is medium overgrowth, but the line is still walkable.
McClean Road - Creek Road - All ties and rails have been removed. There is medium overgrowth, but the bank is in good shape. McClean Road was constructed about 20 yrs. ago and during construction, the railroad right of way was plowed away. The ROW passes through woodland and a swampy area. This section is walkable.
Creek Road over Carpenter Road to Davenport Road - All ties and rails are removed. The bank is still in existance and is walkable. Several small culverts have been removed. There are swampy areas on both sides of the ROW. Carpenter Road has cut through the ROW. This section is walkable, but vehicular travel would be hazardous.
Davenport Road to Ridge Road and Chenango County - This section is quite heavily overgrown, but it is still walkable. All ties and rails have been removed. The areas surrounding the ROW are woodlands and swampy.
Summary - The New York and Oswego Midland was taken over by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Co. in the early l900's. Generally speaking, this line could be used for a hiking trail since it is walkable and is relatively isolated from populated areas.
Due to the vast amount of property owned by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Co. in Madison County, it was impossible to determine the actual sell-offs along this branch of the line. However, after talking with several local farmers, it is evident that this line has all been sold off.
A. Approximate Length: 70 miles
B. Average Width: 100 feet
C. General Conditions
This line was officially abandoned in the fall of 1973. As of March 1, 1974, all rails, ties, bridges, oulverts, and other railroad equipment were still in place. Penn Central is presently making plans to remove all rails and steel bridges sometime during the spring or summer of 1974.
The Remsen to Lake Placid-Branch runs in a north-south direction.
Starting at Remsen in Oneida County, the line crosses Herkimer County and Hamilton County and ends in Essex County at Lake Placid. This survey will pertain to that section between Remsen and the northern boundary of Hamilton County at the Hamlet of Sabattis.
Oneida County
Remsen to Kayuta Lake - 7 miles - All ties and rails are in place. The line runs about parallel with Route 12 and about one mile to the east of Route 12. The line crosses several town and county highways at grade. The surrounding land is farmland and woodland.
Kayuta Lake to Herkimer County Line - 15 miles.
Bridge over Kayuta Lake is still in place. After crossing Kayuta Lake the railroad crosses over North Lake Road and then parallels Route 28. There are several bridges over Woodhull Creek and its tributaries. The line goes through Woodgate Station and then near White Lake. Except for near White Lake and Woodgate Station where there is some development, the line is surrounded by undeveloped woodlands.
From White Lake to the Herkimer County Line the railroad crosses several more small streams and then is very close to Route 28. There are several houses and businesses located between the railroad and Route 28.
Herkimer County
Herkimer County Line to Village of Thendara - 10 miles. After crossing into Herkimer County, the railroad continues to follow Route 28 very closely. The line crosses over the south branch of the Moose River and over several smaller streams, finally crossing over Route 28 at Thendara. The surrounding land consists of undeveloped forestland with some residential and commercial buildings near Thendara.
Thendara to Hamilton County Line - approximately 25 miles. The railroad now passes into the Adirondack State Park lands and passes through woodlands and near several lakes. The major towns the railroad goes through are Big Moose and the hamlet of Little Rapids. There are many bridges and culverts over numerous streams and a large bridge over the Stillwater Reservoir. This section of the railroad is especially scenic and isolated.
Hamilton County Line to Essex County - 12 miles. This section continues through the Adirondack Park lands with dense forest and several streams surrounding the track. There is no development until the Village of Sabattis which is at the extreme northern boundary of Hamilton County.
Conclusion:
The Remsen to Lake Placid branch of the Penn Central Railroad is in excellent condition and passes through some of the best woodlands and lakelands of New York State. This line would be excellent for many types of recreational uses. However, as mentioned before, many bridges and culverts are going to be removed by Penn Central during the summer of 1974. If these bridges are removed, this would certainly restrict the types of uses.
Selloffs As of March 1, 1974, there have been no selloffs of the railroad property.