From the Cortland Democrat of Cortland, NY
Friday, May 2, 1924

Two Midland Excursions Recalled

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   A story of the old Midland railroad the the Otselic Center trestle printed in The Democrat a few weeks ago has revived other stories of the old road, among the most interesting of which are the reminiscences of Mrs. Edith Cotton of Anderson, Indiana, and Curtis Kenyon of South Otselic.

   The latter in a story printed in the DeRuyter Gleaner of March 14, 1924 tells how the trestle at the Center was called the Rainbow Trestle, a name given it by the late George Mason, who, with Albert Pritchard, another Otselic carpenter, assisted in its construction. It was an appropriate name, the writer says, for it was a rainbow chase for the taxpayers of Otselic from the time the bonds were issued in 1870 until the last were paid off in 1923. The following is quoted from Mr. Kenyon's article :

   "We think the last trains were operated on the road in February, 1879, for we well remember going with our town collector, the late C.G. Perkins, to make a levy for taxes and I think he caused a coach to be cut out of one of the last trains. Later the tax was paid and the car released. We recall many incidents in connection with the construction and operation of the old Midland branch. The Pitcher and Pharsalia people were highly elated and were regular patrons of the road. Many of the larger farmers went out of their way to reach the Otselic station with their produce and to buy their supplies from the boy agent, M.E. Tallett.

   "We well remember back in 1870 or '71, in company with about 20 Masons, going to the Center to take Dave Shattuck's special train from Norwich to DeRuyter, the occasion being the instituting of a new lodge at DeRuyter; on board were about 40 Sir Knights from Norwich Commandery including the prominent men of the order, like G. Gage Berry, Col. E.J. Loomis, Clark Stratton, Slater, Rider, and many others, all of whom have passed on their last pilgrimage. Upon our return about 2 a.m., we were met by a pouring rain. Not being provided with enclosed autos we went to "hay" in Chauncey Duncan's barn until daylight. Included in the Otselic delegation were several Knights including Hon. D.E. Parce, H.S. Wheeler, James Brown, E.D. Parce and Ralph Thompson. If we are not mistaken all who boarded Dave's train at that time are gone excepting Major N.W. Stoddard and the writer.

   "The last of the old depot buildings removed was the one at the Center, which is now a part of the fine barns on Dorr Brown's farm. The one at Stanbro (which was of clear pine and heavy slate roof) had been purchased by W.L. Miller and converted into a fine barn, now owned by the Lennie Dye estate. The old franchise is still owned by the Ontario & Western R.R. Co."



   An excursion of another kind is recalled by Mrs. Cotton, who was the "daring girl that walked the trestles", and she says that if L.D. Blanchard helped build the Midland by driving for the civil engineers, so did she by waiting on table for railroad boarders.

   Mrs. Cotton writes : "The sad part of the opening of the Midland railroad was as follows : An excursion train was run from DeRuyter over the road to Norwich and onto the Lyon Brook bridge, which had recently been completed and was so much of a wonder that excursions a were run from all over the state.

   "It was an iron or steel structure and much higher than the Wibert trestle. When looked from it down to the roadway I saw an ox team and the oxen looked no larger than calves.

   "It was a beautiful sunny day, and we had an early start. There was a crowd to go and the long train came up across the street to let the people on. Everybody was happy. Paul Weed, a young brother of the village baker, had been on the train, but sold his seat and started up town, saying he would be back in time. As Utica street was on quite a steep grade the train was backed down the line some distance to get a start to make the ascent with its heavy load, and had good speed when Paul got back.

   "He was cautioned by bystanders that it was dangerous and that he should not attempt to board the train, but he laughed and said he would make it all right. He grabbed a handrail and jumped, but the speed of the train caused a suction that drew him under the wheels and he was gathered up in pieces after that long, heavy train had passed.

   "If any of the trainmen knew of it they kept silent for we did not hear about it until we returned that night. It was wise to keep it quiet, I suppose, for without doubt there would have been a panic, and at best it would have been an unhappy day for the excursionists. It was sad news at the end of a happy day, for Paul was known by all of the young people."