Mendham-Chester|Local Event
The Rock-A-Bye Baby: The Amusing History of Mendham’s Short Line Railroad
Mendham Township Library Celebrates America 250
Local History Lecture Series:The Rock-A-Bye Baby: The Amusing History of Mendham’s Short Line Railroadat the Mendham Township Library
Join us for the NEW lecture series about local history sponsored by Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee.The Local History Lecture Series will take place on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 7pm from September – December.
On Thursday, September 17th at 7pm, join local historian James Zemaitis, as he explores the history of The Rock-A-Bye Baby Railroad at the Mendham Township Library.
While hiking the newly-dedicated Patriot's Path with his father in the 1970s, Mendham resident James Zemaitis pulled his first iron spike from the remnants of the Rockaway Valley Railroad. Years later, when composing the text for a historical sign in Pitney Park, he delved into the short history of the cursed railroad, which served Mendham Township from 1892 to 1913. The "Rock-a-Bye" nickname was a reference to the financial difficulties, erratic service, and poor conditions of the single-track line which ran from Whitehouse Station to Morristown. The train had five stops in the Mendhams, including right across the street from the Township Library. Today Patriot's Path marks the railroad's route, one of many historical park initiatives brought into existence by the American Bicentennial. James will present a nostalgic history of the railroad, which transported peaches, cider and Mendham students, and discuss its latter day importance as a scenic byway and National Recreation Trail.
About Mendham Township Historic Preservation Committee:
Mendham Township’s Historic Preservation Committee has likely existed in official and unofficial forms since the township’s formation.Notes and Town record books and documents kept from the late 1700s and early 1800s take great care to document which families lived where and the old Native American footpaths which eventually would become Route 24.In 2018, the Township officially established via ordinance the Historic Preservation Committee. Some of the Committee’s responsibilities include review of applications for development, advise on said applications, make recommendations for preservation of historic sites, and prepare a survey of historic sites.The Historic Preservation Committee is dedicated to preserving Mendham Township’s historic nature and charm.
Space is limited.Registration Required. FREE To register visit www.mendhamtwplib.org.