Remembering a local railroad

Museum continues history series Cuddebackville — The Neversink Valley Area Museum continues its history lecture series on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 4:30 p.m. when John Taibi presents, “Remembering the Port Jervis, Monticello and Summitville Railroad, A Personal Story.” Besides a look back at the life of the railroad, Taibi will also discuss his working at the Versage Machine Works on Oakland Valley Road in Cuddebackville, during which time he learned of the O&W. Taibi has written eight books on railroading, six on the O&W and two on other railroading subjects, and has authored nearly 80 short stories pertaining to different aspects of the operation of the railroad. These stories appear on the Ontario and Western Railway Historical Society’s Web site www.NYOW.org under the Northern Division Bridge and Building Department banner. Additionally, he has traveled to nearly every state photographing railroad operations. He purchased and restored an ex-O&W depot, built in 1881, where he lives with his wife, Barbara, and their three dogs. Talks are held at the D&H Canal Park visitor’s center, 58 Hoag Road (just off Route 209), in Cuddebackville. The Neversink Valley Area Museum is open Thursday through Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. through Oct. 28 and by appointment. For more information about the museum, its mission to preserve local history or any events, call 754-8870 or check the Web site: www.neversinkmuseum.org. The museum is at 26 Hoag Road, in Cuddebackville.