More 19th Century Yorker Excursions
I recently mentioned the travels of York businessman Samuel Small to Egypt and other exotic locations. Earlier I had related how easy it was for Dr. William Bigler to hop unto a train in Springvale (Windsor Township) and be in Florida in a few days in 1890.
An article I came across in the July 15, 1875 issue of “Jack Shepherd’s” Gospel Trumpet, published by the eccentric John Henry Denig of York, advertises an organized trip to New York state. It reads:
“Excursion to Niagara Falls and Watkins Glen.
A grand excursion to the above points will leave York, Pa., on Tuesday, August 3d, 1875, on the Niagara Express, at 9:44 a.m., arriving at Watkins Glen the same evening at 6:30. The fare for the round trip will be $9.50 from York; $9.50 from Lancaster, and $9.00 from Harrisburg.
Tickets good for ten days to return on any regular train. From Watkins Glen the ticket will be good over the beautiful Seneca Lake, a distance of 50 miles, by steamer to Geneva, N.Y. From thence by N.Y.C.R.R. to the Falls.
Arrangements have been secured for the excursionists for reduced rates at hotels, and half-rate admissions at points where admittance fees are charged.
The excursion is under the management of Jas. A. Dale, York, Pa., who will gladly furnish information to all who desire to accompany the excursion. Tickets can be secured of Jas. A. Dale, York, Pa., and of C. A. Aughinbaugh, Third and Market streets, Harrisburg, Pa.”
If they could at all afford it, many York Countians have always had an urge to see the rest of the world. When rail transportation was in its heyday, it wasn’t all that difficult at least to travel around North America. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that option again, to get there without having to hit the highways?
