Bolivar Breeze, Sept. 13, 1906
GOES TO THE JUNK PILE
Famous Narrow Gauge Railroad From Bradford to Smethport is a Dead One Now.
Train Service Discontinued
Bradford Era: After an existence of 26 years the Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua railroad, the narrow gauge line over the hill to Kane and Smethpprt, passed into a thing of history Sunday
evening at 5:10 o'clock, when the last passenger train, a locomotive, combination car, and a passenger coach, left the Erie station. The departure of the train was witnessed by many people, who had gathered at the station o see the last train leave, and quite a number walked back to town.
The last train was in charge of Engineer John Donahue, Fireman Charles Swanson, and Conductor Frank Richmond. A few minutes before the train departed G.S. Burdick, a resident of
Aiken, stepped up to the ticket window at the Erie station and purchased a ticket for Aiken. It was the last ticket sold and was numbered 6,441. A few minutes before, M.G. Dennis purchased a ticket to Tarport.
Among those who took the farewell ride were Ticket Agent Wells, of the Erie, and A.R. Campbell, who is now connected with the B. & S. in Buffalo. He happened to be in the city and
rode to the top of the hill. Mr. Campbell was formerly a general manager of the B,B. &K. As the train appeared on the side hill many people watched its flight. Much attention was attracted to the constant tooting of the whistle.
The Bradford, Bordell & Kinzua railroad has been one of the most picturesque lines in the country. It was opened for traffic in June, 1880. During the busy oil times it was a
money-maker and had much to do.
It has been patronized extensively by Bradford people who have business at the county seat. People living along the line will miss it keenly. It was their chief means of reaching the
outside world. The road for several years past has had a checkered financial career. It went into a receiver's hands a long time ago, and has since been sold out on mortgage proceedings. S.S. Bullis, its last owner, bought it at a bargain and sold it to the B., R. & P. company at a fair
profit.
Among those who have had financial interests in the B., B. &K. was the famous Grover Cleveland, ex-president of the United States.
