Year in Review

JCRHS trip

Year in Review

JERSEY CENTRAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT 2006

Address: PO Box 700, Clark NJ 07066 SECRETARY DEC

1st Tuesday 7:30 PM, AMERICAN LEGION HALL, 1003 North Ave, Westfield NJ

PRESIDENT: Mark Schmitt, 65 Oak Wood Village, #7, Flanders, NJ 07836-8930 ; erie3319@optonline.net , 973-584-4043
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: Richard D. Forest, 37 Coolidge Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040-1419
2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Dom Walker, 111 Bridge Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840-2209
SECRETARY: Mike Sudol, 43 Salem Ct., Metuchen, NJ 08840-1121
TREASURER: Steve Mages, 28 Pupek Road, South Amboy, NJ 08879-08879-1323
NATIONAL DIRECTOR: Richard D. Forest, 37 Coolidge Road, Maplewood, NJ 07040-1419
HISTORIAN: Mitchell E. Dakelman, 334 South Third Avenue, NJ 08904-2515, dakelmanm@aol.com, 732-247-4116
EDITOR: Vacant
MEMBERSHIP CONTACT: Dom Walker, 111 Bridge Street, Metuchen, NJ
Publication: “Jersey Central News” (E)
Activities 5 11 12 13
Chapter Webpage: www.jcrhs.org Webmaster: Randy Kotuby : webmaster@jchrhs.org
Chapter phone: 908-233-3603

The Jersey Central Chapter, also known as the Jersey Central Railway Historical Society, continued its activities including the annual Train Show and Sale, Santa Claus Train ride, monthly chapter meetings with railroad related entertainment, and support to the United Railway Historical Society, in which the chapter is a member. Many of our members are involved in many other sister organizations, including membership in other NRHS chapters and other transportation and hobby related organizations.

Monthly entertainment included Neal Moran, who presented a Super 8 color movie program, Mitch Dakelman, who showed his 16mm movies, Al Roberts with Super 8 movies, Marc Balkin, with his award winning video productions including a new program on the Long Island Railroad, John Briggs, Sandy Burton, Gene Collora, Walter Grosselfinger, Fred Heide, Randy Kotuby, and Olev Tamarae.

The annual Train Show and Sale was held March 12 at the Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark, NJ. Dennis Connell is responsible for procuring the building for us and the show remains a popular event drawing dealers and buyers from New Jersey and nearby states. Mitch Dakelman has been chairman of the show for many years. Many members help set up and operate the show including Gene Milgram and Lynton Marks who run the Lionel operating layout, Fred Heide, Randy Kotuby and Bob Hingel who sell tickets, Bob Peterson, our announcer and Wayne Wasiler, our sign guy and many more.

NRHS 25th Anniversary Membership pins were awarded to Bill Burke, Mitchell Dakelman, Richard Dowd, Tom Gallo, Richard D. Forest, Walter Grosselfinger, Tom Hodupski, Walter Hulsen and Richard Wilson. Congratulations to all of these members!

The chapter annually sponsors the Homer Hill Scholarship to a high school student to attend Rail Camp in Scranton. In 2006 our recipient was Paul Koprowski, who made a presentation of his experience at the October chapter meeting. Homer was a long time member of the chapter for many years.

During 2006, cosmetic restoration of Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 4877 commenced. Ray Clauss’ Startrak crew, hired by the Chapter, and funded by an ISTEA grant, are doing the work, replacing rusted steel sections, restoring one of the cab ends, and painting the motor back into the original, as delivered 1939 scheme in Brunswick Green and Pinstripes. Walter Grosselfinger administers the project for the chapter and chapter historian Mitch Dakelman has been watching the steady progress of Ray’s skillful work. Several chapter members took a trip on the URHS owned 20th Century observation car “Hickory Creek,” in July from New York to Albany, operated by Startrak.

The NRHS sponsored its annual convention in Ohio. Numerous chapter members attended, including Mitch Dakelman, NRHS Director of Media Services who showed movies there, Ken and Ann Miller who helped Mitch, and Richard Wilson. Ken Miller found an old Washington, N.J. manufactured organ in a local antique mart and was able to make a deal and drove back with his truck to procure it!

In November, elections were held, with Mark Schmitt taking over the President’s position, Marc S. Balkin, First Vice President, Dom Walker, Second Vice President, and Mike Sudol and Steve Mages continuing their jobs as secretary and treasurer. However, during the first weekend of December, Marc fell ill, drove himself from his home in Washington, N.J., to the Hunterdon County Regional Hospital in Flemington, N.J., phoned Ken and Ann Miller telling them he would be hospitalized for a few days and to take care of the cats. Marc’s illness was more serious than anyone though, and age 58, passed away on Sunday, December 3rd. This was a shock to all of us and business was looking good in his railroad video business.

The annual Santa Excursion was held Saturday, December 9 using New Jersey Transit’s Raritan Valley line, from Westfield to High Bridge and back. Two round trips were held that day. Helping chairman Wayne Wasiler are Dom Walker and Gene Milgram, who handle ticket sales, and a large crew of chapter members, friend and elves to staff the train. Richard Forest, who plays Santa Claus for us, was under the weather and a substitute Santa fulfilled the role. However, Mrs. Claus and her assistance are played by Adele Forest and her daughter Lisa. Great job ladies!

During the final business meeting of the officers at Charlie Browns in Scotch Plains, Richard Forest agreed to take on the First Vice President job due to the sudden passing of Marc Balkin. Thank you Rich, for taking on the job.

2007 is around the corner and with Mark Schmidt as our new President, we are looking for additional chapter functions including the picnic, some trips and perhaps a banquet. Good luck for 2007!

Respectively submitted, Mitchell Dakelman Chapter Historian

Questions regarding this webpage can be directed to the Webmaster, Randall Kotuby, at webmaster@jcrhs.org.