Tonawanda Valley & Cuba News Items
Cuba Evening Review, Wed., April 24, 1881
Surveying the T.V. R.R. to Cuba
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The surveyors who are engaged in mapping out the proposed extension of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad to Cuba, were in town Wednesday, and are now engaged in
the survey of the route near this place.
The proposals are certainly bright for the early construction of the Tonawanda extension to Cuba, as we are informed that the requisite stock subscriptions
are likely to be fully realized. With the construction of this road, Cuba is destined to take on such business activity as will surprise neighboring towns that are watching with
somewhat of a jealous eye this new and very important project. All aboard for the Tonawanda Valley!
Cuba Evening Review, April 25, 1881
The surveyors of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad are still at work near Rushford.
Cuba Evening Review, April 27, 1881
Chief Engineer E.C. Appleton with a corps of assistants arrived at North Cuba last evening surveying the Tonawanda Valley Railroad extension. Dr. Hatch
with a large carriage brought the party to town for the night and carried them back to their work this morning. The survey will be nearly completed to Cuba today.
Cuba Evening Review, April 28, 1881
The surveyors of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad reached Cuba last evening, and put down the last stake of the grade survey. The chief engineer is now
making arrangements for surveying the location. It will be commenced today or tomorrow and will be surveyed through from this place to Arcade at once. The grade is reported to be
very favorable for the road and there is little doubt of its being built immediately.
Cuba Evening Review, April 30, 1881
The management of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad will begin work on it at once. By the first of August it is expected to be in readiness for the running
of trains.
Cuba Evening Review, May 2, 1881
The surveyors for the Tonawanda Valley Railroad had reached Cuba Saurday evening. They returned to this place to spend Sunday. The line of road as located
passes directly through the front yard of Mr. Loun and demolishes a small ban belonging to Samuel Morgan, North Cuba.
Cuba Evening Review, Patriot, May 2, 1881
The surveyors of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad have suspended operations and have begun work on the road from this place to Eldred via Richburg and Bolivar
oil fields. E.M. Bond goes to Buffalo this afternoon to confer with the parties who have the matter in hand. A pipe line from Richburg to this place will also be built and a pump
station and refinery pt in operation. Cuba is bound to "hump itself" while Wellsville and Olean and fighting each other.
Cuba Evening Review, May 3, 1881
Cuba, which has for so long stood aside and seen Olean and Wellsville advance through the medium of oil excitement, manufactories, etc., now coms to the
front itself as the outlet of a veritable oil field that bids to fair rival even the famous Bradford region. Men who are interested have been over the route and find that Cuba is
the proper place for the concentration of the Richburg oil business.
The long-headed President of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad has already seen this and yesterday telegraphed Mr. Appleton, the chief engineer of the road,
to begin a survey from this place to Richburg at once and to push it with all possible speed. Mr. Appleton rode over the route yesterday and pronounced it practicable.
In the afternoon the surveyors began work at the depot and are now going "on to Richburg" as fast as possible. A daily stage line is now being run from
this place to Richburg and it is being well patronized. Every inch of land in Richburg to within a short distance of this place has been leased for oil purposes and within thirty
days the country about here will be dotted with rigs and tanks and Cuba will boom with business at a rate unprecedented.
Cuba Evening Review, May 3, 1881
The new organization of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad necessary to allow it to be extended to the Richburg oil field was completed this morning at
Buffalo. Instructions have been sent to the men located at this point to push the work as rapidly as possible. The "knowing ones"' claim that the new road will be completed in less
than six weeks. The company that is building the road is backed by millions of money and mean business. "Cuba is pretty well, thankee, how's yerself."
Cuba Patriot, Friday, May 6, 1881
CUBA & RICHBURG RAILROAD!
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Our village and this entire section is not only humming with industry, and buzzing with trade, but it is fairly “howling” about the newly discovered oil
territory. Oil operators from Bradford and the Lower Country are whipping the filling all out of their coattails flying around here. A daily line of stages has been established
between Cuba and Richburg and Bolivar, running via West Clarksville. The distance from here to the Richburg Boomer is eleven miles, over one of the best roads in the country.
Old and prominent oil operators, positive that the Allegany Field likes west and north of what has been termed the “Wellsville District,” are straining
every nerve to secure a hold of property this way. That the towns of Wirt, Bolivar, Clarksville and Cuba constitute the true oil territory of this country, is now conceded by
nearly all prominent speculators.
Property is being sought after all around us, and the greatest excitement prevails. And yet it is not a wild, frantic excitement of a blown-up bubble. The
people purchasing and leasing lands hereabouts are, as a general thing, men of wealth and responsibility, who mean business, and business, too “on the first floor.”
In this connection, we would state that, by an order from head-quarters. the corps of surveyors for the Tonawanda Valley Railroad, which had just
completed surveying and locating the extension of the line from Arcade to Cuba, was set at work on Monday surveying a route from Cuba to Richburg and Bolivar, by the way of West
Clarksville. The entire force are now engaged in this work. It is expected that the Tonawanda Valley Company will now commence the building of their extension from Cuba to the new
Oil Field immediately, and that the work will be pushed forward to completion at once.
Cuba Evening Review, May 7, 1881
The Attica News man took his best girl for a ride over the T.V. Railroad recently. Part of the journey was made on a hand car.
Cuba Evening Review, Friday, July 22, 1881
New Railroad
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The articles of association of the Tonawanda Valley and Cuba Railroad were filed with the Secretary of the State of New York in Albany on Monday. The
railroad of the company to extend from the village of Arcade, in Wyoming County, to the village of Cuba, in Allegany County, a distance of thirty miles. The capital stock is fixed
at $250,000, and the company is to continue one hundred years and be managed by a board of thirteen directors. This road and the Tonawanda Valley Extension will be consolidated
under one management, and will connect with the Bradford, Eldred and Cuba Railroad, at that place.
Cuba Patriot, July 29, 1881
Four Railroads.
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Before next July Cuba will be the junction of two railroads and the termini of two - the New York, Lake Erie & Western, the Genesee Valley, the Tonawanda
Valley and Cuba, and the Bradford, Eldred and Cuba. And yet our people haven't made one-tenth the fuss over their prospects that some of the "Great Railroad Centres"(?) of the
county have over a few parallel marks on paper.
Who Invested in the Bonds.
As soon as possible we shall publish a list of the names of those of our citizens who invested in the bonds of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad, and the
amount taken by each, in order that the general public may see who among our business and moneyed men had the interest of our beautiful village at heart, and who did not. Through
the enterprise of the former, the railroad from Arcade to Cuba has been made a certainty, as has also the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba Road. These men promptly put their hands in their
pockets and not only placed $30,000 at the disposal of the Company, but purchased the entire right of way between this place and Rushford.
And then Rushford came forward, her wide-awake people investing $20,000 in the bonds of the Road, and securing the right of way from and including that
town to Arcade. this was all done quietly, without any bluster or "blowing," or beating of gongs such as some would-be railroad "centers" would have engaged in. It was done
expeditiously, nevertheless.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, Aug. 2, 1881
Cuba's Railroad.
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The Tonawanda Valley Railroad Co. and the Tonawanda Valley Railroad Extension Company have been incorporated under the title of the Tonawanda Valley and
Cuba Railroad Company. The following officers have been elected:
President - R. G. Taylor, Buffalo; Vice President - Geo. R. Blanchard, New York; Secretary - J.D. V. Loomis, Attica; Treasurer - B. W. Spencer, New York.
Directors - R. G. Taylor and D.O. Day, Buffalo; E.M. Bond, Cuba; C.J. Elmer, Rushford; W.W. Davis, Arcade; R.H. Farnham, R. S. Stevens and J.D.V. Loomis,
Attica; G.R. Blanchard, B. W. Spencer, E.S. Bowen, C.J. Barber and R.C. Villas, New York.
Cuba Patriot, Aug. 5, 1881
Gets Taken In.
One day this week a man entered "Uncle" Philo Roberts' shoe shop, and stated he wanted to rent the rear of the building. The fellow said he had charge of
the trestle work of the T.V.& C. Railroad. After making a bargain for the rear part of Mr. R.'s building, the man suddenly bethought him that he wanted $5 for a few minutes to pay
a small bill.
Mr. Roberts loaned the V and off he went. He next went into Rice's Jewelry Store and wanted to borrow $1 to make a bet with. Mr. Wood, who was in, didn't
"tumble," so the fellow went to the Western Hotel, and tried the same game on the proprietor, Mr. Scott. It didn't work there and the snide skipped the town. "Uncle" Philo is out
his money.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 11, 1881
Pile driving will soon be commenced on the T.V. & Cuba road at this place. The first trestle work is nearly completed and the large 1,700-foot trestle
will be commenced soon. Work along the entire line is being pushed with the utmost speed.
Allegany will be cut up by seven railroads when the G.V. Canal and the Nunda & Angelica roads are built.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 12, 1881
The surveyors have reached Rushford, and have the T.V. & Cuba road located to that place. Individuals through whose land the road passes seem to be well
satisfied with the fair treatment they have received at the hands of Superintendent Kirkpatrick and other railroad authorities. The new road has a friend in nearly every person
living along the line, which speaks very highly for the management.
Rushford Spectator, Aug. 13, 1891
The transfer of the title of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R.R. to William Joy and other bondholders who bought the road July 21, at foreclosure sale has
been enjoined by Judge Davey of Rochester. The price at which the road was sold left certain indebtedness accumulating under the receivership unprovided for, in violation of an
understanding that these creditors were to be taken care of by the purchasers of the road. The matter will be heard at a special term in Buffalo Sept. 8.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 15, 1881
The first trestle work on the T.V. & Cuba railroad was finished last week. Work on the larger one will go forward as rapidly as possible. Two large bents
on the large trestle work have been put up.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 16, 1881
The grading of the T.V. & Cuba railroad is going swiftly forward. It will prove a surprise to any one who has had not visited the scene of operations for
a week or so, to walk or drive along the grade and see how much has been accomplished. The small trestle is finished and six or eight bents are already up on the large one. The
pile driver will soon be put in operation and the large trestle speedily finished. The grading beyond the trestle is going forward rapidly and is finished some distance into the
reservation.
A new wagon bridge has been placed over Oil Creek near the new trestle work on the T.V. & C. railroad.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 17, 1881
Grading is in progress on the T.V. & C. R.R. beyond the Indian reservation.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 19, 1881
Pile driving on the T.V. & C. road was commenced yesterday. The surveyors are locating the road between Rushford and Arcade, and have reached a point four
miles beyond Rushford.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, Sat., Aug. 20, 1881
A station on the T.V. & C. road two miles north of Cuba, has been located for the benefit of the people of New Hudson and Lyndon. It is to be called
Morgan, and is named in honor of Samuel Morgan, the father of Hon. S.H. Morgan, and Carter Morgan, an uncle.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 22, 1881
A trestle work on the T.V. & C. has been commenced on the northern part of the Charles farm.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 23, 1881
The timber for the trestle work on the T.V. & C. is delayed on account of the strike. The carpenters are having a little vacation in consequence.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 25, 1881
More timber for the T.V. 7 C. was expected to arrive today. Two carloads of piles arrived last night.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 26, 1881
The boss mechanic of the T.V. & C. R.R. trestle work went to Carrollton today to see about the timber.
Cuba Patriot, Friday, Aug. 29, 1881
Daniel in the Lions Den.
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On Monday morning last a shoveler on the T.V. & C. road by the name of Daniel Murphy was laying out a rail fence in this village. He labored most
faithfully to make the angles all equal, but for some reason could not do so. Becoming somewhat out of patience Daniel got somewhat noisy, when an officer fastened upon him and
cast him into Cuba's lion's dean, where he remained until he was called forth to receive Recorder Todd's blessing in the shape of the usual fine.
Cuba Patriot, Aug. 29, 1881
Nearly four miles of the T.V. & C. road are graded on this end of the line. The steam pile driver for the long stretch of trestling in the village is on
the ground and will be in operation today.
Arrangements have been made to make a depot two miles from Cuba for the benefit of the people of Lundon, New Hudson and the northern portion of this town.
The station will be known as Morgan, in honor of Mr. Samuel Morgan, the father of Hon. S.H. Morgan, and of Conly and Carter Morgan, our Assemblyman's uncles.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 30, 1881
Two more carloads of piles for the T.V. & C. arrived last night. More timber is expected to arrive today. Regular trains commenced running between
Friendship and Richburg yesterday. Three trains each way are running.
Cuba Evening Review, Sept. 5, 1881
In examining the work accomplished on the long trestle work of the T.V. & C. railroad we find that 100 piles have been driven between the creek and the
canal. All the piles are driven and ready for the trestle on the west side of the creek, and 12 bents are already up. The pile driver will soon have accomplished its work and we
may soon expect to see the trestle work completed. Five bents per day are put up on an average.
Cuba Evening Review, Sept. 7, 1881
Tomorrow is pay day on the T.V. & C. One load of rails for the T.V. & C. arrived at this station yesterday.
Twenty bents went up on the west end of the T.V. & C. trestle yesterday.
Cuba Evening Review, Sept. 15, 1881
The work of laying ties on the T.V. & C. was commenced this morning. It will be pushed rapidly forward.
Cuba Evening Review, Sept. 16, 1881
Two carloads of rails for the T.V. & C. are on the way to Cuba.
Cuba Evening Review, Oct. 1, 1881
A grand strike took place this morning among the employees on the T.V. & C. Their wages had been reduced from $1.75 per day to $1.50 per day. Some of
them informed us that if it were possible for them to secure board at a reasonable distance from their work, they would resume labor, but will not under the present circumstances.
Cuba Evening Review, Oct. 3, 1881
A very interesting time was had by the citizens of Cuba last Saturday, caused by the strikers on the T.V. & Cuba railroad. It was enough to make an
ordinary person sick and disgusted to see the characters inflamed with whisky lying about the corners of the buildings, and in every available place where they could evade the
hand of the officer, and sleep the sweet sleep of the inebriate.
It was actually unsafe for a lady to be on the streets alone. Several fights occurred. A great row took place at the brewery in the afternoon, in which a
large number of roughs participated. They made things lively with their fiendish oaths and diabolical yelling. Fighting seemed to be the order of the day.
A large number of arrests were made. It took four men to put one crazy pugilist in the cooler. If a temperance lecture was ever delivered in this vicinity,
it was on last Saturday; and if people were not made desperately sick of the stuff , that will make men appear and act as they appeared and acted Saturday, nothing will, and the
temperance work may as well cease at once.
Cuba Evening Review, Oct. 18, 1881
The workmen on the T.V. & C. were paid today. A slight "hum" may be expected tonight in consequence.
We understand that the ties on the long trestle will be all laid by tomorrow night. The company are considering the propriety of placing a long iron
bridge over he canal. If they should finally decide to do this it would materially hasten the work and aid in bringing the T.V. & C. to an early completion.
Cuba Evening Review, Oct. 24, 1881
A gang of railroaders made things lively about town until a late hour on Saturday evening. They made an attempt to annihilate several of the Cuba boys
who were indulging in a quiet game supper, but they miscounted their fources and got worsted.
Cuba Patriot, Oct. 28, 1881
It is reported that the T.V. & C. R.R. Co. contemplate laying a
standard track from this place to Arcade, and widening the road from there
to Attica to the same gauge, instead
of using narrow gauge.
Cuba Patriot, Nov. 15, 1881
The railroad bridge across the creek was completed yesterday and a construction train will be put on at once and the grading finished to Main street within
two weeks. The grading from Cuba to Rushford is all finished and ready for the rails and soon Arcade and Cuba will shake hands over the space that now divides them. - Arcade
Leader.
Cuba Evening Review, Dec. 6, 1881
The T.V. & C. have disposed of their "crab"locomotive to the Wellsville & Eldred railway.
Cuba Evening Review, Dec. 10, 1881
Information direct from Superintendent Patrick of Cuba, says that the bridge building between Cuba and Rushford on the T.V. & C. railroad will be
continued this winter and that grading will be commenced again on he first of February.
Cuba Evening Review, Dec. 16, 1881
M.B. Decker is at work at Clarksville getting out ties for the T.V. & C. railroad. A large gang of men are at work at Rushford getting out ties for the
railroad.
Cuba Evening Review, Jan. 12, 1882
The T.V. R.R. cost $36,000 and was opened. Sept. 14, 1880. The road is 25 miles long and there are 10 stations, including Attica and Arcade.
Cuba Evening Review, Jan. 22, 1882
President R. G. Taylor, of the T.V. & C., promises the citizens of the latter place that as soon as the weather will allow it, work will be resumed on
that line between Cuba and Arcade, and that the road will also be built to Richburg.
Cuba Evening Review, Jan. 25, 1882
Work on the new railroads has been suspended until the weather grows warmer. The workman have stuck to it well, and a great deal of grading has been
accomplished.
Cuba Evening Review, Feb. 7, 1882
The Western Union Telegraph Co. has arranged to build a telegraph line the whole length of the T.V. & C.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, Feb. 8, 1882
The Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R.R. Co. is receiving large quantities of hewed ties all along the line of the road, to be used on the Cuba to Richburg
extension, work on which will be resumed in a short time. It is expected that trains will be running through from Attica to Richburg and Bolivar by July 1st. The additional
passenger cars for the extension are now being built at York, Pa. - Attica News.
Cuba Evening Review, Feb. 10, 1882
The Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroad is about to boom once more in its headlong plunge towards completion. A large gan of carpenters are to begin work
Monday morning on the trestle and bridge below the depot. The work will be continued with all possible speed until the bridge and trestle are completed. The other bridges and
trestles along the line are to be finished immediately afterwards.
Cuba Patriot, Feb. 17, 1882
Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad
{From the Buffalo Express}
Nathan S. Beardslee of Warsaw, Chief Engineer of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad from Cuba to Richburg and Bolivar, now is in charge of a party of
surveyors running the line, which is under the direction of C.C. Laney of Castile. H.D. Hurlburt and J. McGee of Warsaw belong to the party.
Mr. Beardslee has the maps of his survey for the New York, Lake Erie & Western ready for subjection to the the management. This proposed new road is a
cross-cut from Hunt's Station on the Buffalo division along the Genesee River parallel with the old Genesee Valley Canal, crossing the river at Oramel, and thence to Cuba, as
reported at length heretofore in the Express. The route has proved a feasible one. In case both roads are built, Mr. Beardslee will establish his office as Chief Engineer at Cuba.
Wyoming County has four resident engineers furnishing preliminary surveys for proposed railroads at present, all men of long experience in the profession.
Buffalo Express, Mon., Feb. 22, 1882
A Threatened Railroad War
Cuba, Allegany County, came near having a small railroad war last Saturday. The difficulty was between the Genesee Valley Canal Railroad and the
Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad. The latter crosses the Canal road at the south end upon a trestle. It is claimed by the Canal road that the trestle is not nigh enough for trains
to run under, but as the trestle is 25 feet in the clear, the excuse does not seem to stand with railroad men. Report was rife Saturday morning that the men of the Genesee Valley
Canal Railroad intended to pull down the trestle and stop work. At about 10 o'clock some 75 of the Canal road men, armed with axes, spades, clubs, etc., proceeded in the direction
of the trestle where they were met by an equally savage crowd of T.V. & C. men, armed in a like manner. A fight seemed imminent, but was prevented by some arrangements which have
not been made public, between the officials of both roads, and the difficulty for a time smoothed over. A large number of prominent railroad officials are in Cuba and things begin
to look interesting.
Cuba Evening Review, Feb. 28, 1882
Five carloads of rails for the T.V.& C. railroad arrived yesterday.
Cuba Evening Review, March 2, 1882
The facts of the terrible railroad strike which was reported to have taken place yesterday morning on the Genesee Valley Canal, T.V. & C. and B., E. & C.
railroads, when simmered down to the truth, are as follows; The officials of the different roads had intended to increase the wages of the men to $1.50 per day, the first day of
march.The arrangement was known to all the workmen, with the exception of two or three,
These latter becoming dissatisfied with their wages and not being aware of the intended increase, quit work. The remainder of them worked as usual. On
learning the true state of affairs the few striking workmen went back to their duty entirely satisfied.
The managers of the work on the different roads give their employees the highest prices, and with this slight exception all have been entirely satisfied.
The Great Railroad War and the Mammoth Strike, which have been the cause of so much printers' ink on paper, are neither of any importance.
Cuba Patriot, March 3, 1882
A speck of railroad war - A large gang of men from Hinsdale, armed with axes,
picks, &c., in charge of one of the engineers of the Genesee Valley Railroad, put in an appearance in this village Saturday A.M., with the intent of tearing down the trestle work
of the T. V. and Cuba Railroad where it crosses the Genesee Valley Road.
The gang of workmen were driven off, but Supt. Kirkpatrick
and Pres. R.G. Taylor, of the T. V. and C. were promptly on hand with a force, and work was passed "all along the line" to defend the property of the Tonawanda Valley at all
hazards, and to throw the first man who came upon the trestle to the ground below. For a little while it looked as though there would be a right lively time. There were yells and
screams, and flourishing of not only fists, but of axes, etc, but when the officials of the two lines got together the matter was amicably adjusted.
Cuba Patriot, Friday, March 10, 1882
Probably More Lively Times Among The Railroad Lines
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All of the T.V. & Cuba's Force Ordered Suddenly to Ceres - Something in the Wind.
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Sunday afternoon at a late hour a dispatch was received here from President Taylor, of the T.V. & Cuba railroad to send every available man
including carpenters and bridge builders to Olean. There was a hurrying to and fro, and Supt. Kirkpatrick took the first train with a large force. A carload or two, we also learn
were sent from Buffalo. The force is evidently to be a concentrated at Ceres for quick.
LATER - THE BRADFORD, ELDRED & CUBA AND ALLEGANY CENTRAL AT WAR -- MEN IN FIELD.
From the Bradford Era of Monday.
The Allegany Central and the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba narrow gauge railroad companies have decided to run over their own lines independent of each other.
Under the present arrangement the Allegany Central folks use the B., E. & C. rails from the Junction as far as the upper switch, and the latter companies run over the line of the
Allegany Company from this point to Bolivar.
The latter company did considerable grading last summer up their own surveyed route between the Junction and Ceres. Saturday a large force of men were
seen at work along the new route and it seemed that the completion of the road would only be a question of a short time. The same might have been said of the Bradford, Eldred &
Cuba between Ceres and Bolivar. They have renewed the right of way from the farmers and will finish up their uncompleted work which they abandoned last summer.
We are told that they are surveying this route from Bolivar up the valley to Cuba. Railway officials of both roads were at Ceres Saturday superintending
the new work and the antiquated lumbering town presented a lively scene. Narrow gauge stock in the Allegany field would command a big premium if any was for sale. The profits of
the two roads are immense. Notwithstanding the fact that many shrewd capitalists were of the opinion that two roads would not be profitable in the Allegany field, both are doing an
enormous business and one road could not handle freight and take care of the travel to and from the new oil field. The excellent traveling and transportation facilities is the main
factor in the rapid development of the Allegany county.
Yesterday there was a storm brewing in Ceres, which showed that the two rival roads were on very bad terms. It seems that the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba
railroad purchased a farm lying directly across the proposed line of the Allegany Central tracks from Ceres to Bolivar. The iron was laid up to the very edge of this track, but the
B., E. & C. officials sternly refused to give the right of way across it.
The contending forces, numbering probably 500 men, were on the grounds last night. A construction gang under Emery Drake was ready at the first chance to
lay the track and hoped to do it before this morning, in which case they expected to hold the point of vantage. The resisting forces, however, were numerically strong and such an
operation could only be accomplished by sheer force of violence or strategy. So far as heard from there has been no personal encounters, but of course such are within the bounds
of possibility as each side is determined. Sheriff Gillies is on the grounds with a posse in order to prevent any breach of the peace. Prominent officials of both roads are on
hand.
Oil Echo, Richburg, Tues., March 14, 1882
T.V. & C. R.R.
The contract for completing the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad between Arcade and Cuba has been let to Antonelli & Gibson and the work will be pushed.
They advertise for 200 workmen and have already commenced work at Rushford and we understand work will be commenced at Arcade this week. A corps of surveyors are going over the
route again maklng final touches. Two new mogul engines have been ordered from the Brooks Locomotive Works at Dunkirk, and will be shipped as soon as needed.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, March 17, 1882
(From the Fairview correspondent)
We are informed that the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad have failed to compromise with the Rochester & Pittsburg Railroad company, for the crossing
near Freedom as yet. The well known contractors, Antonelli & Gibson, have contracted to build five miles of the former road from Hardy's Corners to Rushford, and work in that
point is being vigorously pushed.
Cuba Patriot, March 17, 1882
A New Survey . - The Buffalo Express is authority for the statement that work on the T.V. & C. cannot begin until a new survey is made through that village.
William Williams, a wealthy citizen, wants $1,000 for land used by the road. President of R.G. Taylor has offered Williams $200 per acre, which he refuses.
The gang of 50 Italians who arrived there and were quartered in a large barn, have been sent to Ceres until the new route can be staked out. Other citizens
gave the right of way. Williams may wish he had accepted Mr. Taylor's offer, which is considered by all candid man to have been a fair one. Some best horses are apt to
overreach.
Cuba Evening Review, March 23, 1882
The work force on the T.V. & C. began laying rails at the crossing of the Erie this morning.
Cuba Evening Review, March 31, 1882
Mr. R. G. Taylor said recently that in the five months since trains began running on the T. V. & C., the road has paid monthly dividends of two percent. No
narrow gauge road in this state it is said ever passed into the hands of a receiver or railed to pay a good profit to the stockholders.
Cuba Evening Review, April 3, 1882
Several little boys climbed up on the long trestle of the T.V. & C. yesterday. Their parents would be well to keep them to home. The trestle is a
dangerous place for them.
The rails of the T.V. & C. are now laid from the Erie depot to about 100 feet north of the highway north of the long trestle.
Cuba Evening Review, April 5, 1882
The irons for the crossing of the T.V. & C. railroad at the junction of the Erie, are expected this week. As soon as they are received and put in place the
construction engine and cars will arrive. The Erie road is to be used in transporting the construction train to this place.
Cuba Evening Review, April 8, 1882
Work on the T.V. & C. railroad between Cuba and Arcade is being rapidly pushed forward. President R.G. Taylor says that by the first of August trains will
be running from Attica to Cuba. The work of constructing this road has been under the immediate supervision of Supt. Kirkpatrick, long and favorably known as supervisor of the
Buffalo division of the New York, Lake Erie & Western railroad, and has been rapidly exceptionally well done.
The long trestle and bridge just out of Cuba is now completed and the iron laid across it. It is nearly half a mile in length and from 25 to 50 feet in
height. The charge of this work was entrusted to J.H. Osborne, also formerly of the Erie, and is one of the most substantial structures of the kind in the state.
Buffalo Morning Express, Thurs., April 11, 1882
As soon as the iron for the crossing of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba, at the junction with the Erie at Cuba is put in place, the engine now used on the
half-hour train between Richburg and Bolivar will be ordered there to draw the construction train. Trains are expected to run between Cuba and Rushford by May 1.
Cuba Evening Review, April 12, 1882
Three flat cars for use in the construction of the T.V. & C. railroad arrived in this place yesterday. It is expected that the engine for the construction
train will arrive sometime this week. The work will then be pushed much faster than at present.
Cuba Evening Review, April 14, 1882
The iron for the T.V. & C. is now laid from the Erie depot at this place to the Indian Reservation. The iron for the crossing with the Erie at this place
arrived yesterday and is being put in position today.
Cuba Patriot, April 14, 1882
IT SEEMS TO BE A FACT.
_____
It looks like a fact, that the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R.R. is bound to be an immediate success. Mr. Taylor, the President of the road, with his Engineer,
is now in Rushford looking over the previously laid line and will probably follow it, with perhaps slight changes to save expense in grading and"right of way," as before marked
out, provided that the people along the line will do as the company were led to believe they would do - pay for or give the "right of way" and fill up the subscription for bonds.
Rushford should not fail to appreciate the situation so far as the subscription for bonds is concerned, for we know that the railroad company can save
in distance and consequent cost, more than is asked of that town by leaving them four or five miles from the line. Wake up, everybody! and secure all you can from the Railroad
Boom in Allegany County.
Hon. H. S. Morgan, of Cuba, is with Mr. Taylor at Rushford, endeavoring to impart some of the interest Cuba feels in the T.V. & C. R.R., to the citizens
of that place, and with good success, too.
D. Kirkpatrick, Superintendent of the T.V. & C. road, is still adding to the beauties of the surroundings of his elegant new residents on West Main street
in this village. The grounds have recently been terraced off, and the lawn in front smoothed by rolling and many other improvements added. It is one of the largest and most
beautiful residences in town, and attracts the notice of all strangers visiting our village.
Large numbers of men arrive at Cuba daily and are immediately set at work on one of the four railroads now building here. Help is in great demand in
spite of the large force now employed.
The T.V. & C. has just received several new switch gates from the Howard Iron Works of Buffalo. A signal station is being built at the junction of the
T.V. & C. with the Erie at this station.
As soon as the iron for the crossing for the T.V. & C. at the junction with the Erie at this depot is put in place, the engine now used on the half-hour
train between Richburg and Bolivar will be ordered here to draw the construction train. Trains are expected to to run between Cuba and Rushford by May 1st.
Cuba Evening Review, April 17, 1882
Rushford's share of the monies to be raised for the T.V.& C. is $20,000. The amount has all been raised except $2,300, which will be provided for this
week.
Oil Echo, Richburg, Monday, April 17, 1882
Work on the T.V. & C. R.R. between Cuba and Arcade is being rapidly pushed forward. President R.G. Taylor says that by the 1st of August trains will be
running from Attica to Cuba. The work of constructing this road has been under the immediate supervision of Supt .Kirkpatrick, long and favorably known as supervisor of the Buffalo
division of the N.Y. L. E. & W. railway and has been rapidly and exceptionably well done. The long trestle and bridge just out of Cuba is now completed and the iron laid across
it. it is nearly half a mile in length and from 25 to 50 feet in heighth. The charge of this work was entrusted to J.H. Osborne - formerly of Erie, and is one of the most
substantial structures of the kind in the state.
Cuba is nearly enclosed by railways. The New York, Lake Erie & Western describes a horse-shoe around the village; the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba crosses the
Erie and bounds the village to the southwest; the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba connects with the last named road, and bounds the village on the west; the Genesee Valley Canal road
crosses the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba, and forms the entire northern boundary, and the Portage & Cuba low grade bounds it on the east.
One cannot get into Cuba without crossing a railroad track, except through a narrow space 20 feet wide, which is the old canal bed of the abandoned
Genesee Valley canal, a railroad running on each bank. Surely Cuba with her five railroads, her many industries, her rapidly developing oil interests and her wealth, industrious,
go-ahead people, has a bright future before her.
Cuba Evening Review, Friday, April 18, 1882
About 200 men are now employed in grading the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroad at Rushford. Work was commenced at that place last Tuesday at a point south
of the town. Contractor Antonelle who holds a contract for the construction of seven miles of track intends to finish it in 30 days.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, April 26, 1882
The Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad Company have advertised for additional laborers to work on the road between Cuba and Rushford. Owners of land over
which the road was to pass beyond Rushford demand such exorbitant prices for the right of way, that surveyors are now trying to secure a less expensive route in that vicinity.
Cuba Evening Review, April 28, 1882
J. S. Antonelle has taken up the contract for grading the T.V. & C. through Rushford. About 200 men are now employed in grading at Rushford. Contractor
Antonelle who holds a contract for the construction of seven miles of track intends to finish it in 30 days.
Cuba Evening Review, April 29, 1882
The T.V. & C. railroad has purchased a large tract of timber land on the Indian Reservation near this village. Large gangs of workmen are now busy cutting
the timber into ties. It is reliably reported that the company intends to erect a temporary steam saw mill near their new purchase to be used in sawing out ties and other timber
for the road.
Cuba Evening Review, Sat., April 29, 1882
A water tank and apparatus for coal supplies have been constructed for the narrow gauge at the junction of that road with the Erie. The dinkey engine is
now in full operation, carrying rails, ties and men to and from the works on the Indian Reservation. The little engine does not look as though it could could do much real
business, but in reality it possesses marvelous power, and can be run at a high rate of speed.
Quite a number of Cubans have already tested the merits of the little machine by riding over the road. The track is ballasted the greater part of the way
north of the Erie as far as the track is laid. Men are constantly being added to the force, a large number arriving yesterday afternoon.
The roadbed will be reached through the cut east of the Erie depot tonight. The grading through this place will then be finished, with the exception of a
little work still remaining to be done directly south of the Erie depot.
Cuba Evening Review., Wed., May 3, 1882
The grading on the narrow gauge at the Erie depot is being finished today. As soon as the work is completed at this point, the B., E. & C. and T.V. & C.
railroads will be connected. The work of laying ties and rails will then be commenced on the B., E. & C. road, the construction train being used to supply material for both ends of
the line. It will thus be seen that the work of laying rails will be greatly hastened.
Cuba Evening Review, Friday, May 5, 1882
Two miles of the T.V. & C. railroad are now graded at Rushford. The civil engineers on the T.V. & C. have established an office in the Mason block at
Rushford. Rushford has done her part in the T.V. & C. enterprise in a prompt manner. The promised subscription has all been paid. She has also secured her share of the right
of way.
Cuba Evening Review, Tues., May 9, 1882
The target-keeper at the junction of the T.V. & C. and Erie railroads, has arrived and is now on duty.
Cuba Evening Review, May 5, 1882
Two miles of the T., V. & C. are now graded at Rushford. Rushford has done her part in the T.V. & C entrprised in a prompt manner. The amount of her
promised subscription has all been paid. She has also secured her share of the right of way.
Cuba Patriot, Friday, May 5, 1882
First Excursion on the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R. R.
______
A Party Twenty Cubans Whirled in Direction of Rushford
in Direction of Rushford and its Gold and Silver Mines.
______
Grand Performance of the "Little Dinkey" on the New Road.
_____
Friday last the "little dinky" attached to a couple of gondolas took on board a select number of excursionists from our village and gave them a free ride
to the Reservation, over the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba road. The party were highly pleased with their ride, and report the road as far as they went one of the smoothest they have
ever rode over. The high trestles over which they passed, the picturesque hills and green valleys along the route, made up a scene long to be remembered by the participants.
Cuba Evening Review, Friday, May 12, 1882
Work on the railroad through Rushford is progressing rapidly for the number of men at work which is 87. Three miles had been gracded up to Monday of this
week. The work for the past week has been through a swamp and piece of woods.
A gang of men were set at work at the flat-iron, south of the village, Monday, which settles the matter as to which side of the town the road is to run. A
gang of 13 Italians arrived Tuesday, and they have been set to work finishing up the grading left last fall where the right of way had not been secured, five miles south of the
village. There are now 103 men on the payroll.
Cuba Evening Review, May 16, 1882
A large number of ladies and gentlemen, among whom were R. T. Maxon and family, took a trip on the T.V. & C. road last night. The accommodations were not
the best, the coach being nothing but flat car, but the trip was enjoyed by all. When Cuba Lake was reached the train was stopped and the passengers allowed to ramble about on the
shore for a half hour.
Quite a rivalry exists between the engineers of the Erie and narrow gauge roads, and contests of speed are frequent, to see which train shall have the
track at the junction first. The little dinkey "gets there in good shape" and with its toy whistle and diminutive form presents an amusing spectacle as it dashes ahead of its
adversary across the junction. The Erie employees laughingly threatened to pocket the little darling and carry it off some dark night.
Cuba Evening Review, May 18, 1882
The baggage and mail car which recently arrived for the T.V. & C., was unloaded this morning.
Cuba Evening Review, May 28, 1882
At Rushford the T.V. & C. railroad runs across a farm of 80 acres in such a way as to use five acres of land.
Sixty men are now at work on the T.V. & C. in the swamp near Rawson.
Cuba Evening Review, June 2, 1882
The Rochester & Pittsburg and the T.V. & C. are to build a union depot at Fish Lake.
Cuba Evening Review, Sat., June 3, 1882
The smoking car "Rushford" and the passenger coach "Cuba," which recently arrived at this place, for use on the T.V. & C. railroad, have been unloaded.
All that is now lacking to make up a first-class narrow gauge train is an engine which is daily expected.
Cuba Evening Review, June 3, 1882
The smoking car "Rushford" and the passenger coach "Cuba," which recently arrived at this place, for use on the T.V. & C. railroad, have been unloaded.
All that is now lacking to make up a first-class narrow gauge train, is an engine which is daily expected. There is now at Arcade iron to lay 10 miles of track on the T.V. & C.
Cuba Evening Review, June 5, 1882
Hon. S. H. Morgan returned from Arcade, where he is busy securing the right of way for the T.V. & C. railroad, Saturday night. He returned on the Bradford
train this morning.
Cuba Evening Review, Friday, June 16, 1882
On the completion of the T.V.& C. railroad, a train will leave Atttica in the morning direct to the Richburg and Bolivar oil regions, a distance of 83
miles. A train will also leave Richburg in the morning for Attica.
Cuba Evening Review, Friday, June 16, 1882
The iron gang and construction train on the T.V. & C. railroad arrived at a point within one half mile of Rushford last night. The citizens of Rushford
are jubilant and will give the boys a rousing reception.
Cuba Evening Review, June 26. 1882
The construction train on the T.V. & C. railroad has reached a point beyond Hardy's Corners, near Rushford village this week. The citizens of the above
town are highly elated at the prospects of so soon having a connection with the outside world.
The Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroad was organized and received its charter in June 1881, and the work has been pushed forward rapidly ever since, and the
road will be completed sometime this summer. Its depot at Arcade is very large and handsome and an ornament to the village. The officers and men of the road are gentlemen, from the
wiper to the president. The front room of the new depot is to be used for social purposes.
Cuba Evening Review, June 28, 1882
All Aboard for Rushford.
Engineer James France, of the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba railroad engine No. 4 yesterday received orders from the superintendent of the road, to haul the
passenger coaches, which are not at this place, between Clarksville and Rushford on the fourth of July, for the benefit of persons wishing to travel between the two places.
We are informed, howeve,l that it will be impossible for the track to be laid to Clarksville Center by that day, as the long trestle which must be crossed,
will hinder the work. Iron is now being laid on the trestle.
The order, however, which provides for the train, with first class coaches, will encourage Cubans, who desire to attend the celebration at Rushford to
make a the trip by rail. We are not, as yet, informed who the conductor will be.
Wellsville Daily Reporter, June 29, 1882
The B., E. & C. railroad engine, No. 4, will be decorated in "great shape" by the engineer, James France, on the 4th of July.
Cuba Evening Review, June 29, 1882
The T.V. & C. railroad was ushered into Rushford, at five o'clock last evening, by ringing of bells, firing of cannon, unfurling of flags, shouting and a
general jubilee by the citizens of that place. We understand that the railroad men are to be given a grand dinner today. Rushford, shake, here is our railroad.
Double Celebration at Rushford
On the Fourth of July the patriotic citizens of Rushford and vicinity will celebrate the 106th anniversary of American Independence and the event of the
completion of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroad to Rushford.
The day will be ushered in by the firing of guns, the ringing of bells and the display of the American flag at sunrise. Wm. E. Hayes will be president of
the day. E.M. Bond, of this place will be one of the vice-presidents. The orator of the day will be the Hon. Wm. Laidlow, of Ellicottville; Chaplain, W.B. Wagner; Reader, O.T.
Stacy.
Music will be furnished by the Rushford Cornet band. The exercises will begin in the grove at 10 a.m. Numerous games will take place in the afternoon,
together with a balloon ascension. A grand display of fireworks will occur in the evening. Four round trips on that day over the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroad. The fare will be
about 45 cents for a round trip.
Cuba Evening Review, July 1, 1882
Speaking of the progress of the T.V. & C. railroad at that end, the Arcade leader says: "The track is laid to the county line, and further work at present
is postponed until the decision of the commission to appraise the right of way, The graders are at work through the village of Sandusky and are pushing the work rapidly.
Cuba Evening Review, July 6, 1882 (Thursday)
Quite a young celebration was held at Rushford, Tuesday, just before dark, after the 4"15 o'clock train had come to Cuba. The rain ceased for a few moments
and the streets suddenly became crowded. A large body of Italians who were employed on the railroad near that place, went through an interesting drill. There were numerous other
entertaining exercises. The good weather was of short duration, however, and the people were again forced to seek shelter.
Cuba Evening Review, Thurs., July 6, 1882
(Excerpt of a story about the Fourth of July celebration)
The great attraction, however, for Cubans was Rushford. Four trains each way were furnished by the Tonawanda Valley railroad company. the best
accommodations were offered, the new and luxurious coaches "Cuba" and "Rushford" being run. Each train was packed to its utmost. The run between the two towns was usually made in
about one hour and five minutes. The road is very smooth the greater part of the way, although in places it exceedingly rough. During each trip four stops were made, as follows,
Morgan's, Rawson, Hardy's corners and Rushford. At Rushford there was little excitement on the streets. (It was raining torrents). All of the exercises which had been arrangedfor
the occasion were obliged to be abandoned. Excellent dinnerswere furnished by the church societies, and hungry Cubans were notslow in finding them. The Presbyterian dinner-room was
constantlycrowded. The viands set forth for the disposal of the hungry guestswere palatable and in great abundance. Mrs. R.Y. Charles seemed to take especial delight in stuffing
her guests.
Dancing was indulged in at the halls in the different hotels. Very little drunkenness was seen, Alec. Lane de carpenter being the principal victim. Many
of our citizens had relatives in Rushford. All seemed to enjoy themselves and no one was heard to say they wished they had not gone.
Cuba Evening Review, July 14, 1882
The long trestle of the narrow gauge railroad at Rushford is expected to be completed tomorrow night. There is now but about two miles of grading to be
done on the road. This work is situated just north of the Rochester & Pittsburg railroad, and is being rapidly pushed by Contractor Antonelle.
We understand that the T.V. & C. railroad company have rented the grove and lad surrounding Fish Lake, for a term of years, and that it is to be fitted up
for a summer resort and picnics.
Cuba Evening Review, July 19, 1882
E. G. Wasson is to fire the new No. 5, T.V. & C. railroad engine that arrived yesterday. Later. - Since the foregoing was in type we ae informed that our
popular friend, "tom" Hale, has accepted the position of engineer.
Cuba Evening Review, July 19, 1882
(From the Fairview Correspondent)
Railroad contractor Antonelli has moved his office from this place to Farmersville station. He occupies a room in the Rowley House.
The grading of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad is finished through this place. The graders have reached within a quarter of a mile of the Rochester
& Pittsburgh Railroad near Fish Lake.
Capt. Wm. Smith, recently of the Erie R.R. office at Attica, has taken charge of the T.V. & C. R.R. office at Rushford.
Cuba Evening Review, Wed., July 19, 1882
E.G. Wasson is to fire the new No.5, T.V. & C. engine that arrived yesterday. LATER. - Since the foregoing was in type we are informed that our popular
friend, "Tom" Hale, has accepted the position of engineer.
Allegany County Democrat, Wellsville, July 19, 1882
NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD ENGINES.
____
The Oil City Derrick says: Yesterday afternoon three narrow-gauge engines passed trough the city enroute for the Warren and the Richburg oil fields. One
of them, a little beauty, has the word 'Farnsworth" painted on her cab, which of course signifies it is for use on the Farnsworth narrow-gauge being built in the Jumbo oil field of
Warren county.
The other two are for the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba narrow gauge, which is being built through Potter county, Pa., and Allegany and Cattaraugus counties in
New York. The engines were manufactured by the Pittsburg Locomotive Works are models in construction and finish. It took six cars to transport them, one car being for each of the
engines and also one for each of the tenders. The manufacturers are under contract to furnish three more for the Farnsworth road within ninety days and three for the Tonawanda
Valley & Cuba within four months.
Cuba Evening Review, July 20, 1882
We are informed that Conductor Gilbert enters upon his duties on the T.V. & C. today.
Engine No. 5, of the T.V. & C. road, "Tom" Hale engineer, took the baggage car and coaches to Rushford this morning, carrying passengers free. The trip
was made to learn the bad places in the road and test the engine on curves, etc.
Cuba Patriot, Friday, July 21, 1882
Engine No. 5, T.V. & C. R.R., arrived Tuesday morning on train 38 via the Erie from Dayton. It is a brand new locomotive of the mogul order and was
built at Pittsburgh, Pa. Three more are ordered by the same Company to be completed and delivered at Cuba within two months.
An engine for the T.V. & C. left Pittsburgh Thursday last and should be here today. Mr. William Kirkpatrick met with such good success in unloading and
placing Engine 4 upon the rails that he will undoubtedly be appointed to superintend the unloading of the new one.
Cuba Evening Review, Friday, July 21, 1882
Locomotive No. 4, for the T.V. & C. road, arrived at Attica, Tuesday.
The people of Rushford are well pleased with the choice of the T.V. & C. road in locating the depot on what is called the flatiron. The Spectator says it
is the most centrally located position to be found.
Cuba Evening Review, July 22, 1882
Time tables for the T.V. & C. road are being printed. Capt. Wm. Smith, late of the Erie office at Attica, is now T.V. & C. station agent at Rushford.
Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad
Commencing Monday, July 24, trains will run on this road between Cuba and Rushford, as follows:
Going South.
Lve. RISHFORD -- 6:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m.
Ar. CUBA - - - 7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Going North.
Lv. CUBA - - - 10:35 a.m. 6:30 p.m.
Ar. RUSHFORD- - 11:35 a.m. 7:20 p.m.
J.V.D. Loomis, Superintendent
Cuba Evening Review, July 24, 1882
Regular trains commence running on the TV&C between Rushford
and Cuba today. The station cry on the Erie now can be "Cuba, change
cars for Rushford and Clarksville."
Cuba Evening Review, July 25, 1882
The workmen on the T.V. & C. road have been removed to Rushford, in order to be near their work.
The T. V. & C. road has put in a switch from its main track to the Erie switch, behind the depot for use in transferring freight.
Cuba Evening Review, July 26, 1882
Eight carpenters who have been working on the trestles in Clarksville, took the T.V. & C. train yesterday on their way to Arcade, where they will work on
the trestle for the road mentioned, which will be 600 feet long and 20 feet high.
Cuba Evening Review,July 27, 1882
W.A. Carroll, of Jamestown, has been appointed U. S. Express agent for the T.V. & C.
Cuba Evening Review, July 28, 1882
John Robertson is firing on the T.V. & C. engine No. 5 in place of E.G. Wasson, who was injured in a fall yesterday.
Cuba Evening Review, July 28, 1882
First Cheese Shipments.
The first cheese shipped over the T.V. & C. railroad from Rushford arrived on the early train this morning. The shipment was comprised of the cheese from
four factories, the Rawson and Rawson brandh bought by Akerly & Sill, of Cuba, and the Rushford and Fairview, bought by J. Barnes of Arcade.
The price was 10 cents. This new cheese line will be another saving in hauling by wagon. It was expected that the Rawson cheese would have to be hauled to
this station as before, but the T.V.& C. train was very accommodatingly stopped at the road crossing in that vicinity and the cheese quickly loaded from the wagons into the car.
The patrons were highly pleased with this act of the road.
The cheese shipped by this new route arrives in Cuba at 7:20 a.m., is kept under cover all the way and transferred to a ventilated car on the Erie
immediately upon arrival.. This is much better for the cheese and makes less work for the farmers, and withal will prove a great benefit to all concerned. The new T.V. & C. road is
becoming very popular on account of its good management and accommodating employees.
Cuba Evening Review, Monday, July 31, 1882
T.V.& C. Time-Table.
In Effect on and After Monday, July 24.
Lv. Rushford. Ar -- Lv. Cuba. Ar.
6:30 p.m. 11:35 a.m. 10:35 a.m. 7:20 a.m.
2:00 p.m. 7:20 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
Cuba Evening Review, Monday, July 31, 1882
Wreck on the T.V. & C.
While making the morning trip from Rushford to Cuba, engine 5, of the T.V. & C. train, "Tom" Hale engineer, left the track about one mile south of
Morgans and turned completely over on her side. The accident was caused by the brake beam falling on the track.
Fortunately no one was hurt. Engine 4, of the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba road, will do wrecking service. This is the first wreck on the new road and may be
considered a fortunate escape for the fireman and engineer.
Since the above was in type we lear that the engineer, who jumped off on the side on which the engine fell, had a narrow escape in getting out of the way
of the falling engine. The pilot and cab were considerably smashed, and it will probably be a number of days before the the necessary repairs can be made.
Cuba Evening Review, Tues., Aug. 1, 1882
Engine 5, of the T.V. & C. road, which was thrown from the track yesterday morning, was replaced upon the rails and run to the depot last night. At this
writing it is not known whether it will be repaired here or sent away. Engine No. 1 has been ordered from Attica.
Cuba Evening Review, Friday, Aug. 4, 1882
Engine No. 5, of the T.V. & C. road, recently damaged in the wreck, was taken to Pittsburg for repairs on train 18 last night.
The T.V. & C. road is laid three or four miles beyond Rushford. The grading was finished last Saturday.
J.S. Antonelli has taken a contract for ballasting on the T.V., road, and has a large gang of men following up the iron gang and putting the track in
shape as fast as laid. - [Rushford Spectator]
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 4, 1882
The T.V. & C. road is laid three or four miles beyond Rushford. The grading was finished last Saturday.
J. S. Antonelle has taken a contract for ballasting on the T.V. & C. road, and has a large gang of men following up the iron gang and putting the track
in shape as fast as laid.
Engine No. 5, of the T.V.& C. road, recently damaged in the wreck, was taken to Pittsburgh for repairs on train 18 last night.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 4, 1882
The Kinzua Bridge.
Visitors to the big bridge last Saturday, were treated to an interesting sight, as the seven-ton girders were then swung across the tops of the 300-foot central towers by means of
the "traveler," which handled the great pieces of iron as easily as though they were planks. The Rubicon, which in this instance Kinzua Creek, is now safely crossed, and the bridge
being one-half completed the progress of finishing up will be comparatively rapid, as the remaining towers constantly decrease in height, and as the iron for each is sorted out and
laid out conveniently on the ground. The middle of September is set for the latest date for completion of the bridge and it is regarded as quite probable that trains will be
running over it before that time. It is stated that the Erie railroad company will remove all debris from the chasm, seed it down, erect hotel and make the place a pleasure resort,
something after the manner of Portage. The place could undoubtedly be made the most attractive in this section of the state. - Bradford Era.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 10, 1882
The T.V. & C. road between Cuba and Rushford is doing a good business in the passenger line.
Cuba Evening Review, Aug. 18, 1882
The T.V. & C. train brought a carload of cheese from Rushford this morning. Two carloads will be hauled this afternoon.
Cuba Evening Review, Friday. Aug. 25, 1882
Right of Way Disputed
When a survey was first made for the T.V. & C. road through the farm of James Williams, north of Rushford, he gave the right of way to the road. A second
survey located the line through the center of a large meadow, and Mr. Williams objected to the laying of iron across the lot. Accordingly he stationed his wife, he being busy in
the field at the time, to guard the fence. She was told by Mr. Taylor that they should line iron on the land, but did not give up the fort until the agreement was made to pay $100
per acre for the amount used.
Cuba Evening Review, Sept. 2, 1882
The T.V. & C. train will run through to Arcade on its return trip from Cuba at 10:35 in the morning. Returning to Cuba it will make its regular trip to
Rushford, remaining there over night as usual. Thus one trip a day will be made through to Arcade.
Cuba Evening Review, Sept. 5, 1882
Ground is being broken on the T.V. & C. road, at the junction with the Erie, for a turntable.
Buffalo Morning Express, Sept. 6, 1882
A prominent railway official is authority for the statement that on the entire completion of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba and the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba
Railroads, a radical change will be made in the superintendents of the roads. J.V. D. Loomis will have charge of the line from Attica to Little Genesee, B.C. Williams will run the
route from Eldred to Wellsville, and C. D. Williams, now on the B., E. & C. will have charge of the Addison & Tioga road, now building.
Cuba Evening Review, Fri., Sept. 8, 1882
Several broad gauge cars hoisted on to narrow gauge trucks have made their appearance on the T.V. & C. railroad.
Cuba Evening Review, Sept. 11, 1882
The T.V. & C. road will run trains from Attica to the fair at a half fare rate. The fair opens tomorrow and continues for three days. The fare from Cuba to
Attica and return is $2.25. Trains leave Cuba at 6;40 and 10:30 a.m., and returning, arrive at 4:30 and 8:20 p.m., thus affording a chance to go to and return each day.
The turntable on the T.V. & C. road at this place will be finished at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. The iron was brought from Attica yesterday on the
Attica train pulled by engine No. 1.
A number of changes have been made among the employees on the T.V. & C. road. John Butler has been transferred from his position as engineer of the dinkey
to the same position on engine No. 5, which has been taken to Attica. "Ed" Bryant, recently fireman on engine No. 1, has been placed in Mr. Butler's former position on the dinkey.
Frank Webb, who has been braking on the dinkey, is now firing on No. 1.
Cuba Evening Review, Mon., Sept. 11, 1882
Great crowds of people returned to Cuba after the afternoon performance of the circus at Olean on Saturday, on all trains. The T.V. & C. train was
composed of three coaches, a baggage car, a box car and a gondola, all of which were literally loaded down with people.
Cuba Evening Review, Sept. 12, 1882
A special train arrived on the T.V. & C . from Attica at about nine o'clock last night. This is the first train that has been run on this section of the
road.
Cuba Evening Review, Sept. 20, 1882
By the recently finished Tonawanda Valley and Cuba route citizens of Rushford and Cuba can visit Buffalo in five hours and make the trip to and fro in a
day. - Buffalo Telegraph.
Commencing next Monday there will be two trains run daily from Cuba to Attica on the T.V. & C. road. The trains that formerly remained in Rushford over
night will lay over at Cuba. This arrangement will give passengers a chance to make a through trip to Attica and reurn without changing trains at Arcade. The management of the T.V.
& C. is doing all in its power to complete the arrangements for first class accommodations for the public. This is now the best route for those who desire to visit Buffalo from
this section.
Cuba Evening Review, Monday, Sept. 25. 1882
Regular through trains commenced running on the T.V.& C. road to Attica this morning. Engine 5 is again used on the passenger train in place of Engine 1,
which has lately been used. The dinkey engine used on the T.V. & C. road has been taken to Addison to be used on the Addison & Northern Pennsylvania road. It pulled the way freight
to Attica this morning and will be transferred on the Erie to Addison. Ed Bryant and John Robertson accompanied it.
Cuba Evening Review, Monday, Sept. 25, 1882
The Genesee Valley Canal company to not intend to build a depot at Nunda. The village corporation have bothered the company with so many petty law suits
that the road officials think they can sustain the road without Nunda's aid, and so will neglect the town until a proper spirit of accommodation is manifested. - Ex.
Cuba Evening Review, Oct. 3, 1882
Willis Potter, the man stationed at the crossing of the Erie and T.V. & C. roads, is moving his goods into the Armstrong House back of the depot.
Rushford Spectator, Thursday, Oct, 12, 1882
A new switch is being put in at Strait's on the TV&C.
The indications that the mail will soon be carried on the T.V. & C. road are good. A man was over the road Monday, measuring the distance from the post
offices to the depots, preparatory to sending out bids for carrying the mail to and from the train. The distance from the Rushford post office to the depot is 133 rods and a
fraction, which is between a quarter and a half mile.
Rushford Spectator, Thursday, Oct. 19, 1882
The T.V. & C. and B.E. & C. to commence carrying the mail Nov. 1.
A Trip to Rushford.
We took a trip to Rushford over the T.V.& C. Railway last week. Thee are a great many sights well worth the time spent in going over the road, especially
between Fish Lake in the town of Freedom, and Rishford.
It would be difficult to form any idea of the numerous curves and grades necessary to reach the summit near Fairview, until one passes over the road to
see for themselves. We have heard railroad men speak of using the rear wheel of a wagon as a pattern for sharp railroad curves, but in many cases on this road it was necessary to
use the forward wheel to make the desired curve.
At the summit we passed the freight and took one of its passengers aboard. He was a hale, hearty looking fellow, and answered to the name of "Kirk" who is
well known in Attica as the former road master of the Buffalo Division. The road is in good condition and remarkably fast time is made between Attica and Cuba. - Attica Argus.
Cuba Evening Review, Friday, Nov. 3, 1882
A carload of telegraph poles for the T.V. & C. road arrived at Cuba yesterday.
Postmaster C.W. Woodworth has received notice from the post office department, that the T.V.& C. Railway will commence carrying the mail from this place on
the 13th, and that transportation between the depot and the office will be provided by the government. - Rushford Spectator.
J.V. D. Loomis assumes today the duties of general freight and passenger agent of the T.V. & C.. the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba road and the Bradford, Bordell
& Kinzua road. His office will be at Attica. C.D. Williams today takes the superintendency of the T.V. & C., in connection with his duties as superintendent of the B.E. & C. Mr.
Ross, the master builder of the B.E. & C., has been given the sme duties on the T.V. & C. - Richburg News, Nov. 1.
Cuba Evening Review, Nov. 10, 1882
The following reduced rates of fare will take effect today on the T.V. & C. road: Cuba to Buffalo, $2.10; Cuba to Buffalo and return $4; Cuba to
Rochester $2.60; Cuba to Rochester and return $4.85. Reduced rates have also been made between Cuba and Batavia, Attica, Warsaw, Niagara Falls and principal points of connection.
Cuba Evening Review, Wed., Nov. 15, 1882
Cuba now has better mail facilities than ever before. In addition to the mails carried by the Erie, a mail is now made up and closed at noon for Buffalo
and Rochester and carried by the T.V. & C. road. Mail sent this routes gets into Buffalo twenty minutes quicker than by the Erie. When the new Genesee Valley road commences
carrying mail Cuba will have the best mail facilities of any town of its size in this section.
Cuba Evening Review, Sat., Dec. 2, 1882
Accident on the T.V. & C.
The B.B. & K. engine that has been used on the 12:25 train on the T.V. & C. road helped the 5:10 train through the snow drifts up to the summit beyond
Rushford yesterday. On the return it encountered a drift in a cut near Rushford and was derailed, and partly tipped over.
The fireman and brakeman, Al. Miller and Geo. Briggs, jumped off and were slightly injured. Engineer Sexton, who remained at his post,
was uninjured. The engine was put back on the track and ran to Cuba. It was somewhat damaged and will betaken to the repair shops. Another B., B. & K. engine
will be used on the 12:25 train while the other is being repaired.
Cuba Evening Review, Tues., Dec. 5, 1882
The trains of the T.V. & C. road are delayed by snow. It was found necessary to send the trains from Attica with double headers this morning.
A new timetable went into effect on the T.V. & C. road yesterday. Trains now leave Cuba at 10:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. and arrive at i:15 a.m.,
12:10 p.m. and 4:25 p.m.
Cuba Evening Review, Friday, Dec. 15, 1882
The train on the Tonawanda Valley railroad that was snowed in near Arcade all last week, only succeeded in getting back as far as Attica on Saturday.
Started out again this week and experienced the hardest kind of luck near Curriers' Station, both locomotives going off the track and making considerable of a wreck.
In connection with the late snow blockade on the T.V. & C. road, a story is told of Conductor Harris. The superintendent, it is said, wired the conductor
one day to take two locomotives, heading one north and the other south, and started out to break the road. The conductor telegraphed back that he couldn't do it without removing
the "cowcatcher," and asked for further orders. The railroad men think the laugh is on the new conductor.
Cuba Evening Review, Monday, Dec. 18, 1882
Trains on the T.V. & C. road got as far as Arcade Saturday night but could not go farther and returned to Attica. A few days of this kind of weather, without
snow, would enable the company to clear the track and run trains. It is expected that the B., E. & C. trains will run today. The blockade on the latter road has been at the summit.
Cuba Evening Review, Wed., Dec. 20, 1882
Engine No. 1, of the T.V. & C. road, is expected from Hornellsville repair shops next week. It will then be used in running a train between Cuba and
Rushford.
Cuba Patriot, Feb. 2, 1883
Removal of the Narrow Gauge Office.
_____
The office of R.G. Taylor, President and General Manager of the B., E. & C. and T.V. & C. railroads has been removed this week from the village to
Bradford, the more available center of the narrow gauge system with which Mr. Taylor is connected. Very pleasant rooms had been secured in the Story Block in this village, a
telegraph line had been erected, and it was hoped that the location was permanent in Cuba. That it is not is a disappointment.
Cuba subscribed liberally to the bonds of the company to secure the road here. It was not an express stipulation of that agreement that Cuba should have
whatever advantages there wee in the possession of repair ships and the headquarters, but it was an implied understanding that such should be the case, and this is one reason why
there is a disappointment in the condition of affairs.
The railroad company have reason for disappointment, to. Of the amount subscribed over a third remains unpaid. It may be, possibly, that had this been
different, the management of the road would have been more inclined to favor Cuba in any way possible. Those who have paid have a right to complain, perhaps, but certainly those
who have not and do not intend to, should have nothing to say.
Cuba Patriot, Thurs., Feb. 21, 1883
Railroading Under Difficulties
_____
Winter has proved too much for the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba, and the little railroad has had to lay down and take it. Wednesday night a train arrived at
this station. This was the first train from the north since two weeks ago last Thursday.
At that time three locomotives were blockaded upon the northern end of the road and a relief train of two locomotives and a car of coal started from this
place. It managed to get beyond Fairview, when the ice and snow got hold of it and stopped further progress. The hands who went out with it then only managed to back here with
Wednesday's train.
This pioneer train had a hard time of it to work its passage. it started from Attica Tuesday morning, two engines and a flat car with a flanger attachment
for clearing the ice from the rails. It reached Rushford Tuesday night. One engine was sent back and could only get as far as Johnsonburg before it became stalled on the track but
just cleared. After a hard day's work the one engine worked its way to Cuba, getting here at 5 p.m.
It would have been full as well for the people along the line, and much better for the owners of the road, if they had "hove to" at the commencement of
the severe weather, and made no efforts to keep the road open. No preparations had been made for such a winter as we have enjoyed, no could such a one in some respects be
anticipated.
It is actually stated that at many points in the fields along the line the snow has had a depth of fourteen feet, and the cuts have been filled to the
level. The road has such a course that snow fences will never suffice to protect it from winter's ravages in certain sections, and only snow sheds will do it.
Cuba Patriot, Friday, March 3, 1883
A SPECK OF RAILROAD WAR.
A large gang of men from Hinsdale, armed with axes, picks, &c., in charge of one of the engineers of the Genesee Valley Railroad, put in an appearance in
this village Saturday A.M. with the intention of tearing down the trestle work of the T.V. & C. where it crosses the Genesee Valley road.
The gang of workmen were driven off, but Supt. Kirkpatrick and President R. G. Taylor, of the T.V. & C. were promptly on hand with a force, and word was
passed "all along the line" to defend the property of the T.V. & C. at all hazards, and to throw the first man who came upon the high trestle to the ground below.
For a little while it looked as though there would be a right lively time. There were yells and screams, and flourishing of not only fists but of axes,
etc., but when the officials of the two lines got together the matter was amicably adjusted.
Cuba Patriot, March 3, 1883
New cars for the T.V. & C. have arrived at Attica.
Look out for "business to first floor" soon.
Cuba Patriot, Friday, March 9, 1883
Accident on the T.V.R.R.
Monday morning a train on the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R.R. narrow gauge went through a bridge between Hardy's Corners and Rushford, and about two miles south of the latter
place. The structure collapsed as the train was crossing it, the locomotive passing over safely, but the tender broke loose and that and the passenger coach went down in the wreck.
Fred Gordon of Rushford and a young man named Kelley, of Arcade, a section hand on the road were injured. The latter was hurt on the lower part of the body, and died at
Tarbell's hotel in Rushford Tuesday afternoon. He was 23 years old.
Gordon was unconscious for a long time and his injuries may result fatally.
Between the blockade caused by the accident and the snow, traffic over this road and the B., E.& C. is again shut off after a week of first-rate efforts. A train went south on
Tuesday was stuck in the snow near Clarksville, and was abandoned by the hands.
Cuba Patriot, March 23, 1883
The Erie and the Narrow Gauges
____
The statement that the R.G. Taylor system of narrow gauges has been leased outright to the Erie road is both reported and denied. It is probably an error.
However an arrangement has been entered into which brings these small roads into even closer communion with the Erie than has been.
They have at all times been favored by the Erie, sing at points of junction their depots, having switch room furnished, and working together in the
control of freight and passenger traffic as though under one management.
The treasurer of the Erie road, B.W. Spencer, is treasurer of the narrow gauges, and officials of the former have been among the directors of the latter.
They have been emphatically "Erie roads," and it is hard to see how they could be more intimately-connected, except under positive leases.
It is said that the new arrangement definitely provides for the transfer of traffic between the two, and that the Erie guarantees the outstanding bonds of
the various narrow gauges o the amount of $1,500,000. This will raise them to the rank of prime securities.
The system includes 157 miles of road, made up of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba, Bradford, Eldred & Cuba, the Bradford, Bordcell & Kinzua, and the Bradford
& Smethport road.
The B., E. & C. and T.V. & C. trains have been as regular as their larger rivals this past week, in spite of the oppositions of storm and snow.
Rushford Spectator, July 19, 1883
Our little railroad, sneered and jeered at by outsiders, so much, is proving to be an important arm to the old Erie. Last week another train was put upon the
road, for the sole purpose of hauling through freight from Attica to Bradford. The train passed this placed about 1 a.m. and is made up of large Erie cars, with narrow gauge
trucks under them. Two new engines, or rather one new one and one repaired will have arrived before this paper reached many of our readers, and we are to that another train will
have to be put on as the one is not capable of transporting all the through freight. The new engine is named "R..G Taylor," and will bear his portrait.
Cuba Patriot, Friday, July 23, 1883
The T.V. & C. railroad is soon to issue an official timetable of the road, giving distances between stations, connections at Attica, Arcade and Cuba, also
a limited number of business cars of men on the line of the road. F.H. Dunham of Johnsonburg, N.Y., was in town last week making preparations for its publication. It will be a
convenience to the public and a valuable advertising medium.
Cuba Patriot, Aug. 3, 1883
For two or three weeks trains have run over the T.V. & C. and B., E. & C. roads made up of heavy Erie freight cars. These were transferred to the narrow
gauge trucks by a hoist at Attica. Seven or eight of these broad cars, fully loaded, made a heavy weight for the little locomotives to haul, and perched upon the narrow trucks they
present a very unstable appearance.
It is now said that the experiment has not been a full success and the plan is to be abandoned. Although it saves a good deal of work in the transfer from
car to car, still the wear and tear to tracks, to the trucks and cars, more than compensate on the wrong side. The road bed was not made for such weights, and when in a wet and
weakened condition is apt to be badly slid and disturbed by the movement of trains.
Trains have therefore been frequently off the track and delays have resulted which have not tended to improve the summer record of the road over its
winter work a return to cars of lighter caliber will set things right again.
Cuba Patriot, Oct. 5, 1883
Commencing with the 1st of October, B.C. Williams assumed the management of the T.V. & C. road. He was the first Superintendent of the B., E. & C. and is
a railroad men popular with public and employees. Both of these classes interested along the T.V. & C. will gladly welcome him back to connection with the narrow gauge.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Dec. 20, 1883
The Tonawanda Valley & Cuba narrow gauge road, which is under the control of the Erie, have their road bed ballasted in fine shape, and are doing a good
business. We had the pleasure of a ride over the road to Cuba recently, and were somewhat surprised to find the many difficulties it had to encounter between Sandusky and Rushford.
The turntable and enginehouse at Sandusky are nearly completed, so if the winter is too severe they will not be compelled to go over the hill. It was
expected Rushford would have a new lease of life when it got a railroad, and such may be the case but at present it resembles a "sleepy hollow."
Cuba is hardly keeping up with the times, but still it is a pleasant village and has unexcelled railroad privileges. There is no reason why it should not
be prosperous. - Arcade Leader. Guess Bro. Olmstead never saw Rushford before the railroad came. The changes that have been brought about are wonderful.
Cuba Patriot, Thurs., Jan. 17, 1884
One week ago last Sunday morning a slight accident happened on the T.V. & C. R.R. at this point which might have proved serious if not fatal. Hernandez, the
engineer, and Horton, the fireman, coupled two engines for the purpose of running them to the water tank about a mile above here to be supplied with water.
On their return the engineer kept pumping into the boiler water, of which he had but a scant supply in the tank. The water being low in the boiler caused
the crown sheet to drop, the effect of which blew open the furnace door.
The concussion was sufficiently strong to blow the fireman, at least so he says, about fifteen feet from the cab into the snow bank. It was very
fortunate that no serious damage to life and the engine was sustained. That there was not is certainly not owing to sound judgment or good sense on the part of the engineer.
Cuba Patriot, Feb. 1, 1884
News in Rushford is not lying about loose, hence it may be difficult to grind out anything very palatable to your numerous readers. One thing our people
never seem to tire talking about, and that is our little railroad. They feel more and more proud of it because of its great convenience.
The manager and officers of the road deserve a great deal of credit for the display of energy and success in running trains as regularly ad they did
during the severest storms of the season. it actually lays some older roads in the spade. Only a few days in which we were deprived of our mail regularly.
To cap the climax the company have stationed in this place one of the most genial and accommodating gentleman as their ticket and freight agent to be
found, Mr Henry Smith. The right man in the right place.
Rushford Spectator, Feb. 28, 1884
It is rumored that a third rail is to be laid on the T.V. & C. from Attica to Fish Lake. This is to be done to get soft coal from the Rochester &
Pittsburgh Railroad. Should this be done, a union depot will be made there.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., March 6, 1884
The pay car on the T.V. & C. R.R. made all the "boys" happy Saturday.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Nov. 15, 1883
The T.V. & C. railroad will run a train from this place to Cuba Friday for the accommodation of those who wish to attend the musical concert under the
management of H.R. Palmer. Train will leave this depot at 6 o'clock and return immediately after the concert.
Rushford Spectator, Nov. 15, 1883
A passenger coach on the T.V. & C. was attached at Cuba by a Mr. Foote, who claimed to have a board bill against the road employees.
A turntable is being put in at Sandusky on the T.V. R.R.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Nov. 22, 1883
An extra effort will be put forth to keep the T.V. & C. and B .E. & C. railroads open this winter, owing to the large and increasing freight traffic, they
say. The roadbeds have been put in good condition and ditches opened, which is a big item over last winter's siege, no water can be run down the track, freeze and throw the trains
from the track constantly.
Rushford Spectator, Nov. 22, 1883
Henry Hall has been appointed agent and operator on the T. V. at North Java.
Rushford Spectator, Nov. 22, 1883
Much comment is being made owing to the removal of Frank Jaggers from the employ of the T.V. as section boss, not for the reason of his unfaithful
discharge of duties, but simply to make room for another man who was put in his place.
Frank has been in the employ of the company from its infancy, is a sober industrious young man, and has always worked for the best interest of the
company, being well liked by those under him. His steadiness and the faithful care and support of an aged mother has aroused the sympathy of the entire community, who will make it
manifest on paper, acquainting the HEAD officials with the above facts, and whom they believe are totally ignorant of said case, and crave the return of Mr. Jaggers to his old
position.
Rushford Spectator, March 27, 1884
Rushford is one of the most highly favored inland towns in the county, so far as railroad facilities are concerned. The early train to Buffalo affords an
excellent opportunity for trading in that city and return the same day; equally good are the chances on the Cuba end of the road, first train leaving at 8 a.m., and returning 6:30
p.m.; and last but not least are the very excellent stage accommodations, under the care of Mr. Morgan, whose promptness and high kindness is worthy of the highest commendation.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., April 17, 1884
We are in receipt of a circular from John C. McKenna, General passenger Agent of the Erie's Narrow Gauge System, the substance of which is as follows:
Commencing April 7, 1884 all regular Excursion Tickets reading between stations on the Buffalo and Rochester Divisions and points on the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R.R., will be valid
for return passage if used on date of issue or within ten days next thereafter; except that the regular Excursion tickets reading between Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Suspension
Bridge and Tonawanda Valley & Cuba points will be valid for return passage within thirty days from date of issue. Conductors will honor these Excursion Tickets for the time limits
as above stated, without regard to the time limitation printed on the tickets until such time as the present stock is replaced with a new form of Excursion Ticket having the
extended time limit printed thereon.
Rushford Spectator, April 17, 1884
Mr. Peck is now conductor on the TV. in place of Mr. Harris who has gone to farming. Messrs. Marley and Peck, the two conductors stopping at this place,
have the best wishes of the Rushford people for their gentlemanly and courteous manners.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., April 17, 1884
Fairview - The misfortunate T.V. & C. railroad got into another of its quandaries on Wednesday last. One of the Erie box cars was tipped over in the
most comfortable manner possible, on the curve leading down to Lone Valley where it lay for a couple of days, with the breezes curvetting around its massive hulk bearing the aroma
from defunct deacons, freely wafted on every side. On Friday it was lifted to its proper position and doubtless went on its way rejoicing.
Rushford Spectator, April 24, 1884
A locomotive whistle is to be blown at the roundhouse every morning at 5 o'clock by T.F. Horton, wiper, to wake up the employees of the T.V. & C.
Rushford Spectator, May 1, 1884
Many complaints are made regarding the T.V. & C. railroad not fencing along the line of the road, We wish the company might see it for their interest to
fence the road, also to give Rushford a nice depot at once. Her liberality to the railroad company ought to demand the best depot on the line.
Rushford Spectator, May 1, 1884
Fairview _ We are going to have a switch put on the Centerville road crossing; we are going to have a depot and lots of other necessary additions to the
way of helping Fairview to keep pace with the times.
Rushford Spectator, May 1, 1884
Many complaints are made regarding the T.V.& C. railroad not fencing along the line of the road. We wish the company might see it for their interest to
fence the road, also to give Rushford a nice depot at once. Her liberality to the railroad company ought to demand the best depot on the line.
John C. McKenna, General Passenger Agent of the T.V. & C. Railway, was last week married to Miss Mary A. Seymour, daughter of ex-Alderman John A. Seymour
of Buffalo, and gone to New Orleans on his tour.
Rushford Spectator, May 8, 1884
The increased traffic on the T.V. & C. Railway has caused the night freight to be put on the road, with Fred Beardsley as conductor.
Rushford Spectator, May 15, 1884
Why can't Rushford have another mail? Other towns along the line of the T.V. north of us, make up a bag for the train that leaves this place at 6:20 in
the morning, which connects with a through line on the other end, making about 12 hours difference with the arrival of the western mail at its destination.
A bag is also returned on the evening train. Agent Holcomb informs us that Rushford could be so accommodated by a little effort on the part of our
citizens, a bag made up for the eight o'clock train going south, and one returned on the 6:28 train. More mail would reach destination from six to twelver hours sooner than by the
regular mail train.
Rushford Spectator, May 18, 1884
The increased traffic on the T.V. & C. has caused the night freight to again be put on the road, with Frank Beardsley as conductor.
Rushford Spectator, June 5, 1884
W.W. Eaton has been appointed agent and operator at Rawson Station on the T.V.& C.
Rushford Spectator, June 12, 1884
Fairview - The Tonawanda Valley R.R. is apparently doing a fair business, and we shall probably have a depot soon, where we expect to see our mail-carrying
pedestrian duly installed as baggage smasher. You must lear telegraphy, Matt, or will you have one furnished for you?
Rushford Spectator, June 12, 1884
The floor in the engine house of the T.V. & C. Ry. has been torn out and a soft floor made, of gravel filled in. This is done to prevent having a wet floor
constantly, occasioned by the tanks leaking.
Rushford Spectator, July 3, 1884
A change in the timetable of the T.V. & C. R.R. went into effect Monday, June 23rd. The early train which formerly left here at 6:15 a.m. now leaves
here at 5:25 a.m. This change is made in order to make connections at Attica with the train for Rochester, which gives people two or three hours more time in Rochester.
The mail going south passes here at 11:10 and meets the freight at Rawson's instead of this place as formerly. The freight that was due here at 11:20
and passed the mail here, now passes Rushford at 12:05, and mail north at 1:28 p.m. The freight going south that was due at 3:40 p.m. is now due at 3:30 p.m. The time of the
other trains remain the same as before.
Cuba Patriot, July 3, 1884
Changes of Time on the Narrow Gauges
New timetables have recently gone into effect on Cuba's two narrow gauges. On the B., E. & C. trains leave here at 5:30 a.m. and 1:37 p.m. Both make lay-overs
of an hour or more at Bolivar and arrive at Wellsville at 10:30 a.m., and 12:00 m., and 4:45 p.m. On the T.V. & C. trains leave Cuba at 5:50 and 10:10 a.m. and 12:40 and 5:30 p.m.
They arrive here 3:20, 8:58 and 11:57 a.m. and 4:42 p.m.
Rushford Spectator, July 3, 1884
A change in the time table of the T.V. & C. R.R. went into effect Monday, June 23. The early train which formerly left at 6:15 a.m. now leaves here at 5;25
a.m. This change is made in order to make connections at Attica with the train for Rochester, which gives people two or three hours more time in Rochester. The mail going south
passes here at 11:10 and meets the freight at Rawson's instead of this place as formerly. The freight that was due here at 11:20 and passed the mail here, now passes Rushford at
12:05, and mail north at 1:20 p.m. The freight going south that was die at 3:40 p.m., is now due at 3:30 p.m. The time of the other trains remain the same as before.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., July 17, 1884
An open switch was the cause of a slight accident Monday evening. The return train from Cuba at 6:28 was doing some switch, and upon returning from the
upper switch, backing up, ran into the switch at the depot, which had been left open, at a rapid rate, demolishing the steps of a coach and disabling the engine slightly, by
coming into contact with two large Erie coal cars, loaded with coal, which stood upon the switch.
Rushford Spectator, July 21, 1884
(First timetable published - advertised as "The Erie Narrow Gauge System," including one train daily north and south between Attica and Bradford)
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., July 24, 1884
The T.V. & C. R.R. Co. distributed some hard cash along the line Monday.
Rushford Spectator, Aug. 14, 1884
Engine 23, on the T.V. & C. Railway, which has been to the shop for repairs a few weeks, was quite badly demoralized at this place Monday. The engine as
being run by the Master Mechanic of the road, J. DeLaney, who was on his way to Attica,
When about half a mile north of the village, the engine collided with two gravel cars, which were coming down the hill after being unloaded, and mastered by
a man at the brakes. The front end of the engine was completely demolished. No one was hurt.
Who was to blame? is the question asked by many. Inasmuch as the Master mechanic of the road was in charge of the locomotive, it will be of course be said
no one is to blame, but had it been some poor engineer, he could have seen the approaching cars, and would have to suffer the penalty, and but little time would be wasted in
finding out who was to blame.
Rushford Spectator, Sept. 18, 1884
David Thomas of Sandusky, employed as brakeman on the T.V. & C. Railroad, was struck in the head, and knocked from the car, one day last week, while
leaning over looking at a hot wheel, while the train was in motion. His injuries although quite serious, are not fatal. He is reported as improving.
Rushford Spectator, Sept. 25, 1884
An extra gang of men with a train have been making this their headquarters. They have been ballasting the T.V. & C., putting it in thorough repair for the
winter.
Rushford Spectator, Oct. 2, 1884
The T. V. & C. paid along the road Tuesday.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Oct. 19, 1884
Fairview - The T.V. paid its employees, you said in your last issue. There has been no pay received up here by the workmen for a lengthy period. How can
the magnates of the iron steed imagine men with families can meet the needs of the same? Bread must be found to sustain nature. Clothing is necessary to shield the form in order to
withstand the coming chills of winter.
After faithful work, is not the laborer worthy his hire? Haste then, yet T.V. men in office, and pay up like men, those who by the sweat of their brow,
earn their daily bread.
Rushford Spectator, Nov. 6, 1884
The case of Fred Gordon with the T.V. & C. has been settled, the company giving Gordon $2,500. It will be remembered that Fred was very severely burned at
the time the trestle went down, just south of the station.
Allegany County Democrat, Nov. 26, 1884
The Tonawanda Valley and Cuba Railroad Rolling Stock Disappearing
Cuba, N.Y., Nov. 22. -- The general appearance of things trouble is anticipated by the Tonawanda Valley and Cuba railroad officials. The rolling stock of stock
of the road has been disappearing from here since Wednesday night, and rumor says it has been run into Pennsylvania. One or two small judgments are said to have been entered
against the concern and their present business seems to be anything but enumerative. Inquiry at the office here elicited no facts relative to appending danger, and it seems almost
certain something has gone wrong and that this shipping off or rolling stock means more than anyone is willing to admit.
Rushford Spectator, Dec. 4, 1884
The T.V. & C. are putting in a new switch at Fred Gordon's mill.
Rushford Spectator, Dec. 18, 1884
J.V.D. Loomis has been appointed Superintendent of the T.V. & C. R.R. The appointment gives generally good satisfaction. Mr. Loomis is no stranger to the
line, and while connected with the road two years ago, made many friends.
Cuba Patriot, Thursday, Dec. 24, 1884
RECEIVER APPOINTED.
____
A Warsaw dispatch to the Buffalo Express of Friday last says: “The family of Russell Kelley was awarded a verdict of $3,000 against the Tonawanda Valley
& Cuba Railroad Company, Kelly being killed in an accident on the road near Rushford. The company refused to pay their execution, and to avoid a levy upon its rolling stock rushed
it all into Pennsylvania, securing in exchange the stock of some its connecting lines in that State.
“An action was then commenced for the sequestration of the property, and on Tuesday papers were forwarded to New York to give notice to the defendant of
an application for a receiver. Then, it was ascertained that B.W. Spencer, the only officer in the State upon which they could be served without an order from the court, had
resigned, apparently to delay proceedings.”
“Papers are now being prepared by Attorneys M.E. and E.M. Bartlett, in which it will be asked that the road show cause why a receiver should not be
appointed. A further dispatch received in Warsaw Sunday says the Supreme Court has appointed B.W. Spencer, Treasurer of the Erie and the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroads, receiver
of the latter road. It also enjoins Kelly, who holds the $3,000 judgment against the company, from his motion for a receiver, which was to come before a special term of the Supreme
Court which convened at Warsaw Monday.
“This last move is made to keep the road in their own hands and protect, it is alleged, large unpaid stock subscriptions from being collected, which would
be collected if the receivership fell into outside hands. A motion will be made immediately to vacate this appointment.
Orders received at the station in this place direct all remittances and reports to be made to J.V.D. Loomis at Attica, a former superintendent of the
road, who has evidently been put in charge by the Receiver.
At the building of the road, citizens of Cuba subscribed for about $30,000 of its bonds. About $22,000 were paid up and are now held. It is understood
that the interest on these bonds is fully guaranteed by the Erie. The September interest is in default, a three months’ extension having been granted by a majority of the holders.
Rushford Spectator, Jan. 8, 1885
The T.V. & C.
___
The feasibility of running the portion of the T.V. & C. from here to Cuba has been agitated by our businessmen since the strike, and Saturday, Supt. Loomis
came over from Attica by special train, called a meeting of the parties interested and proposed to run a train from Rushford to Cuba twice a day if they would guarantee the running
expenses.
Mr. Loomis then estimated that the expenses would be nearly $600 per month. At first it was thought that the road could not possibly pay that amount, but
since then the expenses have been cut down to narly $100 per month and it is quite probable that the proposition of Mr. Loomis will be given a trial at least.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Jan. 15, 1885
The T.V. Railroad is the chief topic of conversation with many.
The company are behind on paying employees, about three months. They paid the month of December the first of Jan., and many are fearful they will not pay any
back wages. We think this a mistake and have not the least doubt that every gent will be paid as fast as the
road earns it. The management are putting every effort forward to make the road pay. We understand that the train now known as the "mail train" is to b taken
off, and a new timetable, will put the mail on one of the trains leaving this place. The first train north will leave about one hour later it is thought and carry the mail, at 6:20
a.m., returning bring us a mail at about 3 p.m., run through to Cuba, returning bring us a mail from the south at about 6 p.m. By this means the company will cut down the expense
of one set of hands.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Jan. 22, 1885
As we gave due notice thereof last week, a new timetable went into effect on the T.V.& C. R.R. Monday. The trains formerly known as the mail trains
arriving at this place at 11:10 a.m. and 1:27 p.m., have been taken off the road entirely, and there are now but two
trains each way a day, both starting from this place. Trains now leave here going north, 6:30 and 11:27 a.m.; south, 8:00 a.m. and 3:46 p.m.; arrive from
Attica and stop over night, 6:36 p.m. Mails depart: North 6:30 a.m.; south, 3:46 p.m., also arrive from north at
same time. Mail arrives from the south at 6:36 p.m.
Cuba Patriot, Feb. 2, 1885
Removal of the Narrow Gauge Office
The office of R.G. Taylor, President and Manager of the B. E. & C. and T.V. & C. railroads has been removed this week from this village to Bradford, the
more available center of the narrow gauge system with which Mr. Taylor is connected. Very pleasant rooms had
been secured in the Story Block in this village, a telegraph line had been erected, and it was hoped that the location was permanent in Cuba. That it is not
is a disappointment.
Cuba subscribed liberally to the bonds of the company to secure the road here. It was not an express stipulation of that agreement that Cuba should have
whatever advantages there were in the possession of repair shops and the headquarters, but it was an
implied understanding that such should be the case, and this is one reason why thee is disappointment in the condition of affairs. The railroad company have
reason for disappointment, too. of the amount subscribed over one third remains unpaid. It may be, possibly, that
had this been different, the management of the road would have been more inclined to favor Cuba in a way possible. Those who have paid have a right to
complain, perhaps, but certainly those who have not and do not intend to, should have nothing to say.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Feb. 5, 1885
The change in running trains on the T.V. has brought several new railroad men to this place. The boys with their wives have taken quarters with J.S. Cook
at the Globe, and they report fine accommodations. All are acquainted with Mr. Cook's ability about the house, and it is needless to say the boys will never want for good eatables
and a clean bed. Messrs. Torpy, conductor; Holcomb, mail messenger; Briggs, brakeman; are the ones referred to above.
Conductor Marley has withdrawn from the employ of the T.V. This we are sorry to know, as Mr. Marley was well liked by the traveling public. His pleasant
phiz will be missed in Rushford.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Feb. 5, 1885
No mail was received at this post office Tuesday. The T.V. was blocked. It is expected that an extra effort will be made to open the road today (Wed.).
Cuba Patriot, Thurs., Feb. 12, 1885
The snow is much heavier to the north of us than here. The upper end of the T.V.R.R. has had to succumb and no trains have run through from Attica this
week. The remaining train makes its regular trips between Rushford and this place.
Cuba Patriot, Thurs., Feb. 19, 1885
Trouble on the T.V. & C.
Monday morning traffic on the Tonawanda Valley and Cuba Railroad came to a standstill. The engineers, firemen and trainmen, refused to go to work until
their pay was forthcoming, or its speedy coming a
ssured. They also manifested a disposition not to allow any others to take their places. Two trains make their lay-overs at Rushford.
Instead of starting out, the engineers pulled the fires and disconnected the locomotives.
The cause of the trouble is non-payment of wages. The men have not received pay for any time since September leaving them behind four months and a half.
J.V.D. Loomis of Attica, Superintendent of the road under Receiver Spencer, was in Cuba yesterday on his way to the "seat of war" at Rushford. He would
vouchsafe no information as to the condition of the road or the prospects of settlement. It is understood that his
interview with the men was not productive of any good. Neither promises to pay, nor threats of discharge served to move them from their position. While the
blockade is continued the mail is being carried overland by sleighs.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Feb. 19, 1885
The news spread forth Monday morning, that no trains would leave Rushford on the T.V. railroad until the employees had been paid. The fire in the engines
had been put out and they telegraphed to headquarters what they had done and what they would expect.
No trains were run Monday or Tuesday, and the boys refused to budge. The company are back four months pay, and the men employed have been compelled to
get trusted for provision until the merchants begin to feel anxious. Some are actually suffering for want
of something to eat and to keep themselves warm.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Feb. 26, 1885
The tax that was levied on the T.V. engine has been paid.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Feb. 26, 1885
The T.V. R.R. Difficulty
No trains have been run over the T.V. since Saturday, Feb. 14th. When it was made known on Monday morning that the men refused to run the trains, a telegram to that effect was
sent the superintendent, J.V.D. Loomis, who dispatched the men that they would be held responsible for the care of the engines, and Wednesday he came to town for the purpose of
effecting a settlement, money having been received to pay the men for one month, but the road is back four and a half months pay, and the men demanded their pay in full before they
resumed work.
A similar move was agitated some time in December, but was not carried into effect, owing to a report that the receiver would pay up, and about the first of January, one
month's wages were paid to the men and they continued to work with the hope that the receiver would soon pay the full amount due, until need of money made it necessary to do
something positive.
The facts that the company spent a great deal of money during the summer in ballasting and repairing the road and later in putting up snow sheds, also within a few weeks have
contracted with Cornelius Crawford of Java, for 30,000 feet of lumber, would plainly show that they have no intention of suspension and should the road change hands, the company
purchasing it would probably not buy it to discontinue. Hence, we have no doubt but that a settlement will be made before long and trains running again.
Much inconvenience has been experienced since the delay by our merchants in receiving freight and express matter, which has come to Attica and then been sent around by way of
Cuba. Later, Supt. Loomis was in town Tuesday and a settlement was made with the employees, by the terms of which trains will be running at once.
Cuba Patriot, Thurs., Feb. 26, 1885
The "T.V." Strike.
____
Traffic has not yet been resumed over the T.V. & C. road. The employees have the "dead wood" on the road in one respect, at least all the available rolling
stock of the company in the state is "quarantined" at Rushford, and there the strikers "hold the fort."
It is reported that when they were visited by Superintendent Loomis last week, he held out to them the inducement of pay if they would start the train,
saying that the cash was ready for them at Attica. They are reported to have answered that it was no farther from Attica to Rushford than from Rushford to Attica, and that he must
bring the cash down there before the fires would be started in the locomotives or a wheel turned.
The men may not have taken the wisest course, but evidently it was time some vigorous reminder was given to the management. Wages were due for work since
September and railroad employees are not capitalists with an assured income from other sources. They depend, as most other laborers do, on their wages for their support, and it
was getting to be a serious matter with them and with the tradesmen who had carried them.
LATER.
A settlement was made Tuesday by which business was again resumed. It is understood one month's wages were paid.
Wednesday operations were commenced and the locomotives fired up. Of course the track has been snowed in considerable since the shut-down, so that that
traffic will be rather slow at first. It is expected trains will reach here tomorrow.
Cuba Patriot, Thurs., March 5, 1885
The Tonawanda Valley Bonds
_____
The local holders of bonds of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad, have received the following circular:
"The committee appointed at a meeting of the bondholders of the Tonawanda Valley Railroad have served notice on me that unless interest is paid on their
bonds, foreclosure will begin at once. Such action might destroy the value of the bonds. In view of this a meeting of the bondholders is hereby called for March 9th, 1885, at 2
o'clock p.m. at the office of the undersigned, No. 1 Broadway, for the purpose of considering the subject. It is important that you should be present.
B. W. Spencer, Receiver.
New York, Feb. 19th, 1885."
This is a matter in which several of our citizens are deeply concerned. At the time of the building of the road and to secure it and some of its extra
advantages at this place, $22,000 of the bonds were subscribed for by our citizens. On the claim that the company did not fulfill its conditions in the way of shops and offices, a
portion of the subscribers refused to take their bonds, but about $18,000 were taken and paid for. About $5,000 of these have been sold during the past year at a fair figure by
different parties, and some had also been purchased at quite a heavy discount by parties in the village, so that now about $15,200 of the bonds are held here.
The bondholders do not consider their chances as very promising under the circumstances.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., March 5, 1885
Off the Track
As the T.V. train, consisting of snow-plow, two engines, two coaches, and a mail and a freight car, was passing the Cole switch just east of this station
about five o'clock Tuesday afternoon, the point of the plow struck the the lead rail of the switch, throwing it from the track.
Both engines were reversed, but the train ran by the crossing where the plow left the ties and plunged into a drift on the left of the track, throwing the
head of the engine into the ditch on the opposite side, leaving the remainder of the train on the track uninjured.
The train and section men fell to work with earnest zeal and in eight hours had both engine and plow on the track again, for which the boys deserve
considerable credit, as they had but few tools and did most of the work after dark.
No one was injured and no damage done except to the pilot of the derailed engine.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., March 26, 1885
In consequence of the severe snowstorms the past month, the trains on the T.V. have been very irregular, bringing us mails but three or four times in a
week. We could endure this, but when word came to us Saturday that we would see no more trains until the opening of Spring, we realized the fact that Rushford was again an inland
town and the days of staging had returned. The trains run as far as Sundusky and the mail is sent from there by stage, and is also brought from Cuba in the same manner. Much
inconvenience is experienced in getting freight, owing to the bad condition of the roads.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., April 30, 1885
The T.V.& C. R.R.
The order which was obtained by Mr. Edward C. Randall some time since as attorney for the employees of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad for B.W.
Spencer, receiver, to show cause why the wages due the men are not paid, came up for a hearing before Judge Charles Daniels in the special term of the Supreme Court yesterday
morning. Mr. Randall appeared for the employees, Mr. Frank H. Platt of New York for the receiver, and Messrs. Daniel H. McMillan and Edward W. Hatch for the judgment creditors.
In answer to the order to show cause, Mr. Platt on behalf of Mr. Spencer, presented a petition showing that he had not sufficient funds in his hands to
pay the men and asked authority to issue receiver's certificates to the amount of $20,000 in order to raise the amount necessary to settle with the men and make some necessary
repairs to the road.
Mr. McMillan, representing Mr. Gordon, a judgment creditor, claims that there were equities which entitled his client to come in and share in the motion
and its benefits and that the amount of the certificates should be increased to an amount sufficient to allow the payment of his client's claim. The court appointed the Hon.
Hamilton Ward, ex-Attorney General of the State, as referee to take proofs as to the rights of the several parties and report, the order to show cause being held open in the
meantime.
Proofs will be heard by the referee at the office of Carr & Randall, No. 18 Eagle street on Monday, May 11th. - Buffalo Express.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., May 7, 1885
The United States Express office at Warsaw will change hands on May 1st. Capt. W.H. Smith, formerly station agent of the T.V. & C. R.R., at Rushford,
succeeding Homer Holly. The office, we understand, will be located in the store of Bishop & Rowe, under the new management. - Warsaw Times.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., May 14, 1885
The T.V. & C. R.R.
The order of reference made in the matter of the application
made in the matter of the application of R.W. Spencer which was made in response to the order for him to allow when he did not pay the employees of the T.V. &
C. R.R. which was due them for wages, in which application the receiver asks for leave to issue $20,000 in receivers certificates, and have for hearing before the Hon. Hamilton
Ward, ex-Attorney General, at the law office of Edward C. Randall on Eagle street Monday.
Frank H. Platt of New York appeared as attorney for B. W. Spencer, the receiver, Thomas G. Hillborne of New York as attorney for the Metropolitan Trust
Co., Mfr. Bush of New York and Charles W. Goodyear of this city, atttorneys for the Farmers' Loan & Trust C., Edward G. Randall for the unpaid employees, and D.J. McMullan, F. W.
Bartlett, R.B. Laning, Col. Scott and Judge Swith as attorneys for judgment creditors, who ask to come and have certificates issued for their claims.
Evidence was given showing that the employees had not been paid for September, october and November, 1884, prior to the appointment of the receiver , and
that many of them were in dire distress, and that it was necessary for the successful operation of the road that the employees be retained in the service of the company and that if
they were paid, better discipline would prevail and the receiver would be able to reduce the operating expenses.
The receiver showed that the bridges and trestles were in bad condition and in great need of repair to make them safe, and that the road bed was in need
of repair, for which he asked sufficient funds with which to pay the necessary expenses. The trust companies made strenuous objects, and oppose the issue of such certificates.
At a late hour Monday night the evidence was closed and the attorney given until June 2 in which to prepare briefs showing the equities of the interested
parties. The receiver claims if he is furnished funds with which to pay the employees and make the necessary repairs on the road and fit up the coaches now in his possession he
will be able to reduce the operating expenses and increase its business so as to make it a paying railroad. [Buffalo Express]
Cuba Patriot, Thurs., May 21, 1885
The T.V. & C. R.R.
The order of reference made in the matter of the application of B.W. Spencer for which was made in response to the order for him to show why he did not
pay the employees of the T.V. & C.R.R., was due them for wages. on which application the receiver asks for leave to issue $20,000 in receivers certificates had a heading before
Hon. Hamilton Ward, in Buffalo.
Ten attorneys representing the difference parties in interest, among them are R.B. Laninng of Rushford, Rufus Scott of Wellsville and H.J. Swift of
Buffalo as attorneys for certain judgment creditors, who ask to commend and have certificates issue for claims. Evidence was given to show that employees had not been paid for
September, October and November, 1884 prior to the appointment of a receiver, and that many of them were in dire distress, and that it was necessary for the successful operation of
the road that the employees be retained in the service of the company and that if they were paid, better discipline would prevail and the receiver would be able to reduce the
operating expenses.
The receiver showed that the bridges and trestles along the lines were in bad condition and in great need of repair. He claims if he is furnished funds
with which to pay the employees and make the necessary repairs to the road and fit up the coaches now in his possession he will be able to reduce the operating expenses and
increase its business so as to make it a paying railroad.
The trust company strenuously opposed the issuing of the certificates. The attorneys were given until June 2 to submit briefs.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., May 21, 1885
Fairview - The funeral cortage of the late Mrs. E. Davis, formerly of this place, arrived on the T.V. & C., on Tuesday of last week, and from here the
body was taken to Centerville which is the last resting place of the bereaved family.
Rushford Spectator, June 18, 1885
There is talk of putting on a night train on the T.V. & C. railway an extra engine having been leased from the Springville & Sardinia. (Attica Argus)
Rushford Spectator, July 2, 1885
Our Italian neighbors have moved to Farmersville Station. The T.V. so tardy in paying was the cause of their migrating to the R.& P.'s employ.
We learn that a decision has been given favorable to the employees of the T.V. & C. R.R., who commenced an action sometime since to recover money due them
for labor. They will get their pay shortly. [Attica Argus].
Rushford Spectator, July 23, 1885
J.V. D. Loomis, Supt., T.V. & C. R.R., and family, accompanied by friends from New York are spending a few weeks at Fish Lake. B. W. Spencer, receiver, is
expected to be there soon. They have four tents and seem to be enjoying themselves hugely.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Aug. 3, 1885
The T.V. employees received their May pay last week.
Cuba Patriot, Friday, Aug. 26, 1885
GATHERED IN.
_____
A Glorious Gang Gobbled. - Bums Boozy with Blue Ruin Bottled Up.
___
Friday last was a blue letter day for some of the rough who were working on the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroad and the hangers-on who are always to be
found following up public works of all kinds.
A number of hard cases were discharged and paid off, and these were at once joined by a number of tramps who had been infesting our village dead-beating
or stealing their bull beef and benzine wherever they could. Every hotel and restaurant was more or less infested with these dirty specimens of humanity.
Every alleyway and dark lane was filled with them. A number of them undertook to run the Brewery, another gang, in the temporary absence of Mr. Scott,
proposed to take charge of the Western Hotel, while other places about town were inflected by their absence.
Saturday morning, Cuba's strong calaboose contained six of these unkempt bummers arrested by our officers. Recorder Todd addressed the gang before him
and promptly weighed them in his judicial balance.
Thomas Murphy, who "allowed" he was a relative of the temperance lecturer by the same name, was sent to the Angelica jail for 1,440 hours.
Wm. Morrissey, who might have been second cousin to the great Democratic John, followed next with the same sentence.
Edwin White, a hard-looking cuss of the genius tramp, was sent to the Buffalo Buckle Factory for 90 days, where he will be obliged to wash himself, we
hope.
Burr West and Wm. Dunn were discharged, on their promising to go to work. Others of the roughs were informed by the officers that they must jump the
village at once. Most of them did so, and Saturday night and Sunday "all was quiet on the Potomac." Such characters will do well to keep out of the clutches of officers Bemis and
Stanley.
Rushford Spectator, Oct. 1, 1885
Manley Madison has resigned his position as brakeman on the T.V.& C. road. [Attica Advocate]
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Oct. 29, 1885
Tonawanda Valley & Cuba R.R.
Justice Childs, in the Supreme court last week made an order confirming the report of the Hon. Hamilton Ward, referee in the matter of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad.
The referee found that there was due employees the sum of $8,421 and $12,000 was needed to repair the road bed.
The order of Judge Childs authorized Mr. Bird W. Spencer receiver to issue receivers certificates and raise the necessary amounts, the certificates to be a prior lien over the
mortgages.
The Metropolitan Trust Company and the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company, through their attorneys, filed a notice of response to the Special Term and asked for an order staying
the issue of the certificates until arguments could be heard. Justice Childs upon the hearing granted the stay upon the filing of a bond for $20,000 to indemnify the receiver and
employees against their costs and damages - Buffalo Express.
Cuba Patriot, Nov. 5, 1885
New Time Table on the T.V. & C.
Last Monday a new timetable went into effect on the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad, by which two trains are given to this end of the road, a much needed
improvement.
Under this arrangement, a train leaves Rushford in the morning at 8 a.m. and arrives in Cuba at 8:57. It leaves here for the north at 10:10 a.m., arriving
in Attica at 3:42 p.m., returning to Rushford for the night. Another train leaves Rushford in the morning for Attica and leaving there at 10:20 a.m., arrives in Cuba at 4:18 p.m.,
and leaves here for Rushford at 5:30 p.m. Both trains remain in Rushford overnight.
Rushford Spectator, Thursday, Nov. 26, 1885
Another Strike on the T.V.
Last Friday morning the whistles on the engines blew even louder than usual and our people supposed the trains had left on time until the employees were seen about the streets
and upon inquiry we were astonished to find out that another strike had been made and the turntable taken apart thus preventing any chance of getting the engines to the main track.
The employees refused to resume work until they receive their back pay. On Saturday a letter was received, which was written by Mr. Randall, the attorney for the employees,
before the strike, urging the men not to stroke as they were sure of their back pay. Had the letter been received in time the strike might possibly been averted. B.W. Spencer has
been ordered to the court the court to show up his account with the T.V. at Buffalo Thursday and nothing will probably be done on the road before the first of the month when it is
expected that the matter will be settled and trains running as usual. Last week the Station agents were allowed to make out their pay from their remittances, but the other
employees have received no pay for the past three months on last year.
Our citizens of course want the men to get their pay, but as far as we have learned do not favor the strike, but on the contrary are indignant that such a course should be
pursued, as owing to the miserable condition of the roads it makes it very inconvenient to get out of our into town and next to impossible to get freight, which disappoints our
merchants very much as they have ordered their holiday goods and are anxious to receive them.
The mail is received quite regularly from Arcade and Cuba but thus far Buffalo mail has arrived a day late.
Cuba Patriot, Thurs., Nov. 26, 1885
Strike on the T.V. & C.
___
Work was suspended on the T.V. & C. railroad last Friday morning and trains ceased running. This action was due to the employees who refused to work
longer without pay. There is over six months pay due them. Half of this is for work before the road went into the hands of a Receiver, nearly a year ago. Under the Receiver's
management payment is due for over three months.
The men complain bitterly regarding their treatment by the receiver, and say that although the road is earning more than operating expenses, the receiver
refuses to pay them. There is nearly $5,000 due the men for the labor during the past three months, while they hold a judgment against the road for $8,000 on which receiver's
certificates were ordered issued, but which order the trust companies holding mortgages on the road have appealed from.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Dec. 3, 1885
T.V.& C. R.R.
----------
The T.V. & C., as far as we have been able to learn, is in about the same condition it was last week. B.W. Spencer, the receiver, failed to appear at Buffalo and it is
reported that he cannot be found. Toe roads are getting better and freight is being drawn from Cuba by teams, while most of the passenger traffic goes to Caneadea.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Dec. 17, 1885
In Regard to the T.V. & C. Road
B. W. Spencer appeared before Judge Swift at Buffalo, on Monday, and rendered an account of his receivership of the T.V. & C. road.
He stated that he had $700 in his hands. When asked if he intended to use this money for paying the employees, he said that he did not, but should use it
for paying incidental expenses, such as taxes, etc.
He also said that if he was allowed to issue certificates for $20,000 the road would be put in running order again.
It is rumored about town that the road will be opened again next week, but Superintendent Loomis says it will probably remain closed until spring (Attica
Advocate).
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Dec. 24, 1885
The T.V.& C.
Supt. Loomis came to town Tuesday and with a few of the old employees, and other men from town, put the turntable together, fired up the engines and left
with them for Attica this (Wednesday) morning. What will be the outcome of this move we cannot at present state as numerous are the varied reports circulated.
Cuba Patriot, Dec. 24, 1885
The T.V. & C.
B.W. Spencer appeared before the court in Buffalo and received an account of his receivership of the T.V. & C. road. he started at $700 in his hands. When
asked if he intended to use the money for paying the employees he said that he did not, but should use it for paying incidental expenses, such as taxes, etc. He also said that if
he was allowed to issue certificates for $20,000 the road would be put in running order again. It is rumored about town that the road will open again next week, but Superintendent
Loom is says it will probably remain closed until Spring. - Arcade Advocate
Cuba Patriot, Thurs., Dec. 24, 1885
The Tonawanda Valley Bonds.
A dispatch from New York Tuesday says: "Judge Donohue rendered decisions today in favor of the Erie Railroad in two suits brought against it by the
Bradford, Eldred and Cuba Railroad Company and Thomas C. Platt as receiver, and the Tonawanda Valley and Cuba Railroad Company and Thomas C. Platt as receiver.
The two last named railroads connect with the Erie road at various points. Last year they defaulted in the payment of interest on their bonded indebtedness
and foreclosure suits were the result. The roads were placed in the hands of receivers.
Before these suits were brought to a conclusion, however, the receivers began suits against the Erie company, claiming that the latter had agreed to meet
any deficiencies which might occur. Judge Donohue dismissed both suits brought by the receivers."
This decision will be of warm interest to the Cuba holders of the Tonawanda Valley bonds. About $20,000 were subscribed and taken by citizens of Cuba, but
most of these have been sold at various discount.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Dec. 31, 1885
Departure of the T.V.
Last week Tuesday, we stated in this paper, the T.V. engines at this place were fired up and preparations made for leaving. While returning from the tank
in the evening, one of the locomotives was thrown from the rails by an open switch, which had evidently been tampered with. The greater part of greater part of the night was spent
in replacing it and the next morning Superintendent Loomis, promptly offered a reward of 850 for the appearance of the guilty party. Both engines were run to Attica Wednesday and a
return made Thursday for the balance of the rolling stock. Many rumors are afloat as to the object in view in thus removing the property, but we are unable to give any statement as
to what the ultimate object of the company may be, or when the road will again be in operation.
Verdict for the Erie.
The suits brought by the Bradford, Eldred & Cuba and the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroads against the Erie railway, were last week decided against the
former roads by Judge Donohue before whom they were tried in the Supreme Court last October. These suits were brought to recover under certain contracts between the Erie and the
narrow gauge roads to pay their bonded indebtedness. The Erie company refused to pay the deficiencies and defended their actions on the ground that the contracts referred to were
illegal and unjust and imposed upon it a heavy burden without any corresponding benefit.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Jan. 7, 1886
The T.V.& C.
The feasibility of running the portion of the T.V. from here to Cuba has been agitated by our businessmen since the strike, and Saturday, Supt. Loomis
came over from Attica by special train, called a meeting of the parties interested Saturday evening and proposed to run a train from Rushford to Cuba twice a day if they would
guarantee the running expenses. Mr. Loomis then estimated that the expenses would be nearly $600 per month. At first it was thought that the road could not possibly pay that
amount, but since then, the expenses have been cut down nearly $100 per month and it is quite probable that the proposition of Mr. Loomis will be given a trial at least.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Jan. 28, 1886
T.V.& C.
Before Justice Childs yesterday a motion was made for the removal of receiver of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad Company. It was asked that the
Receiver be removed because he does not operate the road. The court denied the motion on the ground that the Receiver has no money, therefore cannot operate the road, (Express of
Tuesday).
Cuba Patriot, March 4, 1886
The present employees of the T.V. & C. railroad have, through their attorney, Mr. E.C. Randall, been paid their back salaries, a judgment having been
obtained against the Receiver for the amount. The salaries which were due at the time of the appointment of the Receiver amounting to $18,000, have not yet been settled, the matter
being now in the hands of the Court of Appeals.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., March 11, 1886
The employees of the T.V.& C. road have all been paid their back salaries from the time B.W. Spencer was appointed Receiver, but the salaries which were
due at the time of his appointment, amounted to about $18,000, have not yet been paid, and the matter is now in the Court of Appeals.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., April 8, 1886
The T.V.& C. R.R. to Resume Business at Once.
Last Friday the section men on the T.V.& C. R.R. began work and Monday morning a work train left Attica for the purpose of repairing the road. it was
intended to start a passenger and freight train over the road Wednesday, but the severe storm of Tuesday will probably cause a delay of a few days. It has now been four months
since the strike, and the conveniences of a railroad will be appreciated by our citizens.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., April 15, 1886
The T.V. Running Again.
The first train over the T.V.& C. R.R. this Spring reached this place about four o'clock Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning went on to Cuba and
returned to Attica in the afternoon.
Monday the train commenced running regularly, making the round trip from Attica to Cuba and return each day.
The road is in better shape than it was at first thought to be, and the section men will soon have it in as good condition as ever.
George Briggs is conductor of the train, Mr. Washburn engineer, and J.V. Jenks of this place is to travel on the train, sell tickets and have charge of
the freight business and thus do away with station agents.
Cuba Patriot, Thurs., April 15, 1886
The T.V. Resumes
___
The annual "Spring opening" of the T.V. & C. Railroad occurred last Sunday. On that day a train arrived here, which had worked a passage though from
Attica, and marked a resumption of traffic after an idleness of four months. A train is run each way every day, arriving hear at 12:50 and leaving for the north at 1;50. The road
is being operated by a Receiver, and this will probably be the extent of the train service until the property is sold.
Rushford Spectator, July 29, 1886
F.J. Hagan has superseded George Briggs as conductor of the TV&C second extra train. The Attica end has been taken off.
Buffalo Express, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1886
AN IMPORTANT DECISION
Receiver's Certificates and How They May Be Issued.
The Court of Appeals has handed down a decision of great importance. The decision is rendered in the case of a number of employees of the Tonawanda Valley
& Cuba Railroad who sued for moneys due them for wages for three months prior to the appointment of Bird W. Spencer as Receiver in November, 1884.
The case was tried in May, 1885, before Hon. Hamilton Ward as referee, and judgment was given in favor of the employees. This judgment was affirmed by
Judge Childs at Special Term, and by the General Term of the Supreme Courts.
The case was taken to the Court of Appeals, which has decided that the decisions of the lower courts are wrong in ordering the receiver to issue
certificates of indebtedness for the $8,400.21 due the employees, and $3,000 for deficiencies in payments for material and supplies, to be a lien before the mortgage.
The court holds that such lien is not prior to the first mortgage. It holds that the State laws give the employees a remedy, but that the order went
further and directed the payment out of the property of other creditors. The Court holds that the Receiver has the right to employ labor and buy materials, under the direction of
the Court, necessary to the running of the road, but not to the winding up of the affairs of the corporation. Mr. F.C. Randall of this city appeared for the employees, Turner, Lee
& McClure and Thomas G. Hillhouse representing the Metropolitan Trust Company and Farmers' Loan and Trust Company of New York City.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., Oct. 14, 1886
Trains to be Abandoned on this End of the T.V. & C.
____
The following letter received by Mr. Morgan from Supt. Loomis explains itself:
Supt.'s Office, Attica, N.Y.
Mr. Mr. Morgan - Dear Sir:
By order of Receiver trains south of Sandusky will be abandoned after Oct. 16th. Please give notice to patrons of the road at Rushford to that effect so
they may not order any goods shipped this way so as to arrive after that date. You will on that day receive your pay in full to date, your services no longer required until further
notice.
Yours Resp., J.V. D. Loomis.
Whether we are to be without a road for any length of time, we do not know. It is rumored that site is to be filed next week for the foreclosure of a
mortgage against the road, and the probabilities are the road will be sold to someone who will run it in good shape. During the past summer, the road has been of but little benefit
to us for passenger traffic, hence the discontinuance of the trains will not materially hurt the town, still we hope that the road will soon be run so as to accommodate this end of
the line.
Cuba Patriot, Thursday, Oct. 21, 1886
The T.V. Closed
___
By order from Superintendent Loomis, the running of trains on this end of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba road was abandoned last Saturday. Traffic is still
continued between Attica and Sandusky. Only one train each way a dat has been run over this end of the line the past season and this at most inconvenient hours for passenger
traffic, so that the entire abandonment will not greatly change the situation in that time.
It has, however, done a god deal in the freight line, and the people of Rushford will be especially inconvenienced under the new arrangements. It is
rumored that a suit for foreclosure is to be commenced this week, and this may lead to a sale to other parties and a possible resurrection of the road.
The man who tends the signal at the crossing of the Erie was notified that his services would be dispensed with Saturday. Superintendent Coffin of the Erie
was notified and together with Roadmaster Thompson had a meeting with Mr. Loomis here that day.
The Erie officials informed the T.V. superintendent that if the signal man was discharged they should take up the frogs at the crossing. As there was a
strong probability if those came up this winter they would not go down again and the road would would be effectually blockaded, the T.V. decided to keep the signal in working order
a while longer. The Erie would like very much to do away with the necessity of stopping all their express trains at that crossing but which they are obliged to continue as long as
the crossing is maintained.
Rushford Spectator, Thursday, Nov. 17, 1886
C.J. Elmer has circulated a petition asking the Railroad Commissioners of the State of New York to look into the matter of the T.V. & C. R.R. Co., and see
if something cannot be done to benefit people on this end of the line. A long list of signers have been obtained, and it is quite probable some action will be taken.
Rushford Spectator, January 22, 1887
The T.V. is not running trains at all at present, as the tax collector at Java Center has levied on the engine and locked it up at that place/
Olean Democrat, Thurs., Feb. 3, 1887
No trains were run last week on the T.V. & C. R.R. owing to the seizure of the only available locomotive of the road by the tax collector at North Java.
Rushford Spectator, Thurs., April 14, 1887
G.E. Hyde and E. A. Johnson of Rushford went to Cuba Wednesday, via hand car on the abandoned T.V. R.R. Mr. Hyde is the operator of the Western Union
office at that place and his trip over the rails was for the purpose of repairing the telegraphic connections between this place and Rushford. [Cuba Patriot]
Bradford Era, Aug. 9, 1887
Suit has been brought in the Supreme Court by fifty employees of the Tonawanda & Cuba branch of the New York, Lake Erie & Western to recover $80,000 in
wages. The complaint alleges that when the company was reorganized out of the Tonawanda Valley and the Tonawanda Valley Extension and the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba, in 1882, there
was a large of stock, for which noi payment was made by the stockholders. The plaintiffs want to know from the court what is the remedy against the stockholders, assuming that they
have not paid the face value of their stock.
Cuba Patriot, Aug. 25, 1887
It is reported that the T.V.& C. R.R. Co. have been ordered to to run a train the entire length of the road or surrender their charter and stop operating
any portion of the road.
Olean Democrat. Thurs., Nov. 12, 1891
Fairview
_____
The Tonawanda Valley Railroad Will be Removed to Pennsylvania
Fairview, N.Y., Nov. 10 . - It is now ascertained that the Tonawanda Valley Railroad was purchased by a syndicate of millionaires who are removing the
metals, which are disposed of to a railroad company in Pennsylvania. There will be a broad gauge road laid from Attica to Fish Lake and thence to Cuba. It is concluded nothing
will be done.
Hornellsville Tribune, Friday, Nov. 17, 1891
The T.V. R.R. rails are being hauled away. W. F. Bronson, of Painted Post has bought the rails for a distance of 20 miles and offers enough to lay the
track from Rushford to Cuba for $30,000.
Olean Weekly Democrat, Thurs., Nov. 19, 1891
Fairview, Nov. 18 - The last of the Tonawanda Valley railroad was put on board cars at Fish Lake on Sunday for shipment. The work gang is now removing
spikes and rails beyond the Summit toward Rushford. it is thought two months will elapse ere the work of derailing is accomplished.
Rushford Spectator, Dec. 10, 1891
IN MEMORIAM
BRIEF HISTORY OF THIS PORTION OF THE TONAWANDA VALLEY & CUBA
FAREWELL TRIP OVER THE ROAD
Upon invitation of W.F. Bronson we gladly took a trip over the lamented Tonawanda Valley from Rushford to Cuba last Friday, (Dec. 4) and the excursion
was doubtless not only the last of the season, but the last forever, on the present rails at least.
The repairing gang reached the crossing just this side of the large trestle at Cuba Thursday afternoon and the continuous parallel of rails once more
united the two towns.
Friday morning Mr. Bronson drove over from Franklinville, accompanied by his wife and her parents, Rev. and Mrs. G.W. Varnum, whom she had been visiting
at that place. After a sumptuous dinner at the Globe the party, which included Mr. and Mrs. Bronson, Rev. and Mrs. Varnum, Mr. J. Smith and the Spectator's man of all work,
reported to the depot, long since vacant, and there found the car in readiness and in charge of Frank Mingous of Painted Post. This car which is used for inspecting roads
consists of a small upright engine which furnishes power by means of a belt to one of the axles, seats at either end, a canopy top over the entire car which is mounted on spiral
springs and rises as easy as a coach.
Mr. Brown took the position at the throttle and at 12:55 we pulled out of town with neither orders nor right over other trains. Mr. Bronson had been over
the road but few times and having precious freight on board, wisely run very carefully. We passed Hardy's at 1:10 and stopped at G.D. Metcalf's some ten minutes for water.
Rawson was reached at 1:35 and Morgans at 2:05. At the reservoir another stop was made for water and to oil around and after about fifteen minutes we
started again and reached Cuba at 2:45. The turntable, which was carried with us, is made of two planks with cross pieces and a short plank with a pivot in it as a foundation. The
engine is run on to the planks, which rest on the pivot, until it balances and then can be easily turned.
Although it had begun snowing and the rails were wet, the return trip was made much quicker and the running time was scarcely an hour and Fireman Mingous
kept the steam "popping" most of the time. At Rawson summit we overtook the trucks on which rails had been brought down by horse power and they were set aside to let us pass, and
from Hardy's we pushed in four trucks with a gang of men.
We were surprised to find the road bed in such good condition. Much of the way it seemed as firm and smooth as ever. Around the reservoir the track was so
overgrown with grass and weeds that the rails seemed to be laid on the ground without ties. Of course farm crossings in many places had been taken up and had to be put down again
and a few trestles had to be repaired, but it is now in pretty good shape and Mr. Bronson expects to get a heavier engine to haul the iron to Cuba. The rails are in prime condition
and of a very desirable pattern.
They are worth about $1,500 per mile and find a ready market among the lumber camps and various places where short lines are needed.All enjoyed the trip end
the ladies displayed considerable pluck in making the run over a road which had been idle and decaying for five years.Chauncey M. Depew in his private car has less rights then had
we. In this connection a brief history at the road may be of interest and will bring back memories which are fast getting beyond recall. Our esteemed townsman, J. B. Gordon,
might perhaps be well called the Father of the Tonawanda Valley, or rather this end of it, as he went to Buffalo and laid the matter before R. G. Taylor and showed up the
feasibility of such a road. Other men became interested and finally a plan was proposed March 28, 1881 by which the road would be built if Rushford would take $20,000 and Cuba
$30,000 worth of bonds and furnish the right of way.
This was the chance Rushford long had sought. Messrs. C. J. Elmer, C. W. Woodworth, B. Gordon, O. T. Stacy, W. W. Bush, W. E. Eyes
and others took hold of the matter and raised about $18,000 for bonds and $1,200 to pay right of way where it had to be bought. Cuba raised about the same amount. Later Rushford
built the round house.
In the summer of fall of 1881 the company under the superintendency of David Kirkpatrick began work on the Cuba end and later in the fall some work was
done at Hardys, and then there was a let-up and for a time there was some doubt as to whether work would be resumed. However in February of 1882 George Bancroft of Cuba began
work with a wheelbarrow gang in the swamp between Hardys and Rawson. In April Joe Antionelle and the Italians came, and began work this side (east) of Hardys. C. J. Hardaway first
saw Rushford where he found a most estimable wife, at this time. A little later another contractor began work at Arcade, and the road was hurried to completion.
In June the iron gang reached here from Cuba and the day of their arrival was gloriously celebrated. A picnic was held in H. T. Chase’s grove and the band
escorted the men - Italians and all - to the tables which were loaded with the offerings of the good people of this place.
An excursion was run to Cuba the Fourth of July. Some business was then done between Rushford and Cuba, but the road was not opened for traffic the entire
length until September 4, 1882, and September 25th a time table went into effect which gave Rushford the best train service of any town in this locality. A train left here early
in the morning which took passengers to Attica in time for trains to Buffalo and Rochester and they could have nearly all day in either city and reach Rushford at ten o'clock
that night; another train went to Cuba in the morning in time for trains either way on the Erie and returned to Rushford after they arrived, and the early train to Attica came
back through to Cuba and returned here after train 12 arrived; the mail train also came through from Attica to Cuba and returned, bringing mail from Rochester and Buffalo. But
this too excellent service was suicidal to the road and after a year or so a receiver was appointed. November 13, 1882 the road began carrying the mails and express and the
telegraph line was put up that winter.
Rushford then began to boom immensely and-in the year 1884 it was estimated that about $40,000 was expended here in building and repairing. May 7, 1884 the
corner stone of the Brick Block was laid with proper ceremonies, in the "north-east" corner. The stores of Messrs. Merrill and Taylor, the fine residences of Messrs. Gilbert,
Holden, Colburn, Bush, Dresser and Charles Gordon, the mill and tenement houses of J. B. Gordon & Son, the Hardy House, the meat market, etc., were built. We were really "in it",
and this stroke of enterprise which did so much for Rushford, we believe, was a direct result of the T. V.
The $20,000 raised by this town did not come from the poorer people, but the building of the road helped many people of the poorer class, and the building
boom was a great benefit to all classes; hence, although we have lost the road, we have profited much by its existence.
In May 1884 a night freight was put on and this was about the culmination of the prosperity of the road. January l9, 1885 the mail train was taken off and
February 16, 1885 the employees struck, four months pay being due them. In about a week trains began running irregularly and the latter part of March did not run at all. This made
great inconvenience in getting freight and our merchants were about to make arrangements to get their freight by some other means when March 31st a train came through from Attica
and one train was run, until July 20th when another train was put on which stayed here nights. November 20th there was another strike, three months pay being due. The engines
remained here about a month when Superintendent Loomis took them to Attica. In January 1886 he came
here to confer with the business
men as to the feasibility of operating the road from here to Cuba, and thought it could be done for about $500 per month. It was not tried.
On April 12, 1886 one train began running, with Washburn engineer, George Briggs conductor and Jenks traveled on the train, selling tickets and tending to
the freight business. This poor service was continued until October 16, 1886 when by order of the receiver trains were discontinued south of Sandusky.
From that time the rust and weeds have reveled unmolested along the line, and mention of the T. V. has not been a pleasant topic to our citizens when
abroad, unless it was something about its being operated again.
Nearly all the bonds taken by Rushford parties were sold in December 1885, at 24 1/2 cents on a dollar. The only fatal accident which occurred on this end,
at least, was when the train ran into the washout this side of Hardys and Mr. Kelley was killed and Fred Gordon injured. As to the future of the road that will soon be known. Mr.
Bronson had orders to disturb the road bed as little as possible, and he says the company who control the road is composed of prominent Wall Street men and they are as yet
undecided as to what they will do, but expect to decide by spring, and then the future of the road will doubtless be determined.
'Tis hoped by all that the road may be made a standard gauge and operated, but in case it is thrown up, what will become of the land is a question often
heard. Many gave the right of way, but gave no deed and others gave a deed with the proviso that the land should revert to the original owner if for any cause the road should not
be operated. In such cases the company would doubtless lay no claim to the land, but where the right of way was purchased and a warrantee deed given, it seems right that the
parties should buy it back if they want it, and they doubtless will have to do so.
Farewell to the old T. V. As we watch its spirit take its flight, south-ward, we'll forget what we did for it and appreciate what it has done for us, and
stand ready to welcome a broader and better road, which under a more business like and economical management, we think, would pay.
Cuba Patriot, Friday, Feb. 10, 1893
It is said that the New York Central is negotiating for the purchase of the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba from Attica to Arcade in order to secure a connection with
the Western New York & Pennsylvania. This will give the company a cross-cut from Arcade to Batavia, which will save much mileage and fuel coal destine for service on the eastern
end of the road, while giving the New York Central a much longer haul over its own lines.
Olean Weekly Democrat, Friday, April 13, 1894
The End of a Railroad
According to present appearances, the Attica & Freedom railroad, better known as the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroad, will soon be a thing of the past.
O.O. Stockwell and Brooks Humphrey, together with several residents along the line of the road, have been at work since the ale of the road under foreclosure last January, trying
to organize a new company to purchase, improve and run the road.
So many have lost money in the different ventures in connection with the railroad that investors are hard to find, and the plan will not be likely to
succeed. Some private citizens of Java have offered the Metropolitan Loan & Trust Co., of New York, present owners of the road road, $25,000 for the property. The offer has been
refused.
The Loan and Trust Co. people state that they are going to tear up the rails and sell them for old iron. They are asking, it is reported, for bids on the
contract to take up the rails and pile them in the railroad yards in Attica. - Hornellsville Times.
Railroad Magazine, May, 1945
The Tonawanda Valley Railroad, a three-foot gauge pike, was chartered April 5, 1880, and opened a line from Attica, N.Y., southward through Arcade 926
miles), and west to a connection with the Pennsylvania at Sardinia Junction (2 miles). This connection was never built.
The Tonawanda Valley Extension added 31 miles of construction to this, extending south from Arcade, trough Sandusky to Freedom, on the Buffalo, Rochester
& Pittsburgh, and on to the Erie main line at Cuba, N.Y.
The name was changed to Tonawanda Valley & Cuba Railroad in 1881, when the two companies were merged. By 1882 the entire line was in operation. Interest
on bonds was guaranteed by the New York, Lake Erie & Western (now the Erie), and default on such payments resulted in receivership early in 1884. Two years later the receiver
discontinued operating the 29 miles of road extending from Cuba to Sandusky.
The TV&C was sold under foreclosure in 1891, and purchased by a committee for the bondholders. A new company, the Attica & Freedom Railroad, was formed to
operate 33 miles of line between those towns, while the bondholders' committee held possession of the abandoned route between Freedom and Cuba.
In October, 1894, operation of the narrow gauge line was discontinued and the track taken up. A new company, the Buffalo, Attica & Arcade Railroad was
organized, to build a standard gauge on the same line. Thirty pound iron rail was replaced by 65 pound steel,
and in January, 1895, the 19 miles from Attica to Curriers, was put into operation. That section from Curriers to Arcade, 7 miles, was completed in December of
the same year, as were the two miles from Arcade to Arcade Junction.
Those miles of narrow gauge between Arcade and Freedom, which had ben virtually abandoned, were not rebuilt. Equipment was chiefly supplied by the Erie
Railroad but the BA&A owned one locomotive, one combination car and two flat cars. Later it added another engine, two passenger cars, two boxcars, two flats and a service car. On
March 6, 1917, the road was once more placed in receivership and four days later operations ceased.
The present Arcade & Attica was incorporated on May 24, 1917 to acquire the property, and began operation on June 1. It owns two locomotives, one of which
is diesel-electric, two passenger, and four miscellaneous cars.
(Note: Passenger service was discontinued in 1951. In 1963 a tourist train operation was started and has operated continuously ever since. It is one of the
oldest tourist trains in the country. For many years, steam locomotives were used on these runs between Attica and Curriers, but trains are now operated using a 44-ton diesel
locomotive. The freight business is primarily agricultural products).
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