The Historical Society of Rockland County will be hosting a “Walk through History on the South Nyack Rail Trail” with with former South Nyack Trustee Andrew Goodwillie on Friday, November 17, beginning at 11 am (rain or shine).
During a walk along the old railway trail from one end of South Nyack to the other Goodwillie will discuss the history of the village.
The Raymond G. Esposito Trail is a 1.1 mile north-south rail trail. It begins at Franklin Street Park at the corner of Cedar Hill Road and Franklin Avenue on the border of Nyack and South Nyack, which was the site of the original Nyack station, and continues as the Old Erie Path upon crossing the border into Grand View-on-Hudson.
The trail takes its name from Raymond Esposito, a long-time village official who died in 1986.
The trail follows the former Northern Branch, which was originally constructed in 1859 by the Northern Railroad of New Jersey from Nyack to Pavonia Terminal in Jersey City. In 1942, the Northern Railroad of New Jersey was sold to the Erie Railroad, where it was known as the Northern Branch until passenger service ceased in 1966.
Topics will include the arrival and impact of the railroad; the industries and commercial buildings that sprang up alongside the railway; the devastation wrought by construction of the I-287 Thruway and Tappan Zee Bridge; the firehouse that itself succumbed to fire; the creation of Franklin Street Park; the National Register Ross-Hand Mansion and its famous owners; and more.
Handouts will include photographs and maps to help contextualize the history.
The price for this event is $5 per person. To register click here. The meeting place will be provided with your confirmed reservation.
Note: This two-mile walk (round trip) is rated easy and will take place entirely on the improved rail trail. Participants should wear comfortable shoes for walking. Be sure to bring water and to dress appropriately for the weather. Reading glasses are recommended. The walk is expected to take between one to two hours.
Illustration: Nyack Railroad Station, ca. 1920.
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