...we saved history!
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...we saved history!
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The Story of Your Train The Bessemer Railway System miniature train ride has been as much a part of Northwestern Pennsylvania history as it has been a part of Conneaut Lake Park. The train ride we all know Over the years, the train models changed to reflect trends in the railroad industry and in 1968, today's Alan Hershell Iron Horse model was installed. In 1992 the miniature train was renamed the Bessemer Railway System in memory of the trains that used to bring patrons to the Conneaut Lake Park resort. Andrew Carnegie founded the
Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad In 2004, Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad was acquired by Canadian National Railway. While it no longer carries passengers, iron ore and coal freight are still the route's primary commodities to this day. It is to the memory of the men who have made this railroad's history possible that the Bessemer Railway System miniature train is dedicated.
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Today's Train Ride By the end of the 2002
operational season, the 1968 engine and cars had fallen into such disrepair that the train
ride had to be shut down. In addition to unworkable wheels and axles, the train's track
was in need of replacement. This season, thanks to the generosity of a local manufacturer, the train's wheels and axles will be replaced free of charge! This leaves, however, an estimated expense of $56,000 to complete the project. The Good News Is... ...you can help save the miniature train and become a permanent part of the Park by purchasing a personally engraved brick! All the bricks purchased will be used in a paving project at the entrance to the Bessemer Railway System's station platform. The bricks are laser-engraved and come in the following sizes: 4'' x 8'' (up to 3 lines)
$100 We invite you to order as many bricks as you would like; using one to honor a railway worker or a loved one, memorialize a special occasion, or give a brick as a gift! If you have questions or need
more information, please call |
Conneaut Lake Institute, Inc. would like to thank you for your interest in this project. Donations in any amount will be greatly appreciated and used for the Bessemer Railway System restoration project. Donations to this project are tax deductible. This project is sponsored by:
In Association With
©2006 Conneaut
Lake Institute, Inc., |
and love
today has a story that began in 1904, when it was first added to the Park. After closing
for several years, the ride re-opened in the 1940s in today's location.
Company, for which the miniature train is named, in 1897. It hauled iron ore and coal, as
well as passenger cars, from Conneaut, OH to North Bessemer, PA, near Pittsburgh's
Carnegie Steel Company.
