From the Chenango Telegraph of Norwich, NY
Wednesday, June 23, 1869

   On Tuesday, the 15th inst.(OF THIS MONTH), the citizens of DeRuyter and the surrounding towns assembled at Crumb Hill to unite in the ceremony of breaking ground upon the Norwich and DeRuyter branch of the Midland Railroad. The day promised to be fair, and in company with Engineer Gilbert, Contractor Sage, and E.J. Loomis, we climbed the "impassable mountain", which by the way the Engineer says is reached at its summit by a grade slightly exceeding 60 feet to the mile. We citizens had already assembled though it was then some two hours in advance of the ceremony.

   At 2 p.m. the DeRuyter delgation, some 1,500 to 1,800 people, bands, with flags and banner waiving, arrived. A.V. Bentley gave a long-winded speech. Four others also spoke. At this point the lowering of the skies admonished the crowed that the concluding ceremonies must be briefly carried out. Miss Ada Sutton, one of DeRuyter's fairest daughters, broke the soil. J.W. Merchant, resident director, had designated her. He followed, then old and young men and mothers and daughters.

   That night a bonfire was held in the public square and the festivities were kept up until a late hour. It was a proud day for DeRuyter.