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Archives>Article
Sussex Register - April 6, 1871 issue  

Lafayette April 3, 1871


MR. EDITOR:- Seeing in your columns persons of different places giving information in regard to improvements, I would like to say one word, although I have never written on this subject. The question of putting in a switch at Struble's Crossing on the Branchville extension of the Sussex Railroad, had been discussed for some time; but talk is cheap and of no avail unless you put greenbacks or shoulders to the wheel. So this section not being as full og greenbacks as of real estate, we made up our minds to put the thing through all the hazards, and on the day set for breaking ground, the sturdy farmers of the valley were on hand with teams, shovels and picks, and into the work we went. But Jack Frost had closed up mother earth to the depth of three feet, but these men of strong nerve did not flinch one inch, but with powder and crowbar Jack Frost was made to yield, and in about 3 days we had as much ground graded as we thought was needed to lay our switch. But business men passing by and seeing our improvements, say you must have a depot here, and we will give you a boost. That being the case, we must have more switch room.

We had to make another effort, and the day was set, and Mr. Case was to have sent a train of cars and a lot of men; the morning arrived, but Mr. Case's train was not on hand. But those men who don't wink at trifles, and never fail in a good cause were on hand, numbering over twenty with teams and scrapers, and by the kindness of the track boys who let us have the thing all nicely fitted up, and went on our way home rejoicing to think that we had done for ourselves and the railroad more than all the aristocracy of Lafayette and Branchville. And now one word of respect to Mr. Case, the Superintendent of the Road; before we hardly had the grading done, he ordered his most efficient track boss to lay the switch and I must say that he is one of the most obliging and persevering men I ever came across, and I am happy to say that the work is done and cars are run off ready for shipment.

P.S.-Perhaps I may write again when the depot is built,

Yours with respect,

FAIR PLAY

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