The Cornell Railroad Historical Society became a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society in 1981. In the 40 years since that time, we have grown and prospered. With recent membership levels of nearly 80, while we may be one of the smaller NRHS chapters, we have been an active one, with great enthusiasm for the subjects of railroads, rail history, rail photography, railroad models and other aspects of the railroad hobby.

The City of Ithaca lies at the foot of Cayuga Lake, and is surrounded  on three sides by steep hills. It is also home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, meaning its population practically doubles when school is in session. In former years, most of these students arrived by train, but with the changes seen in the 20th century, the two main railroads serving the area, the Lehigh Valley and the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, faded away. Nonetheless, our chapter holds both dear, especially the Lehigh Valley, sometimes known affectionately as the "Leaky Valley", which is also the name of our newsletter.

The Cornell Railroad Historical Society Meetings are normally held on the second Tuesday of each month at The History Center of Tompkins County, 110 North Tioga St. (not an actual street but part of Ithaca Commons), Ithaca, NY. From NY 79 West, come down State Street, bear right into Seneca Street, than park either on the street (meters are free after 6 PM), or turn right onto Tioga Street, finding street parking -OR- park in city parking garage (fees for parking assessed until 11 PM). From Rt. 79 East, Rt. 96 North or South, take Green Street to "tuning fork" at foot of State Street hill, swing around onto Seneca Street and, again, seek parking. (Click on "Directions to Museum" at left.) Doors open at 7:00 PM, meetings begin at 7:15 PM, and generally last until about 9 PM We have other yearly activities, including a trackside picnic in July, and meetings are open to anyone. Our mailing address is : Cornell Railroad Historical Society c/o Ron Koger 116 Candor Hill Road Candor, NY 13743

 

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Gene Endres, chapter Secretary and Historian and Editor in Chief of the Leaky Valley newsletter, died October 3 while vacationing on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He was much more, however, than the titles of Historian and Editor in Chief suggest; Gene was the face and the voice of the CRHS. He knew everyone - everyone knew Gene! - and everyone counted him as their friend. Gene linked us all together. He always had a train story to tell us - not just facts or details, but real stories that would take us back in time and light us with memories. The Leaky Valley was Gene's labor of love. It was a treat to find the latest copy in our mailbox every month! And when we read the newsletter, we could hear Gene's voice telling us the stories. We will miss him very much.