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Archives>Article


New Jersey Herald - October 21, 1909 issue
Andover: The condition of the railroad station at this place Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock would have been a disgrace to the original Mule railroad running here sixty years ago, and would not have been tolerated at that time. The waiting room I think is 14 x 16 feet, and contained at this time the following: first, on the floor, was nearly a quarter inch of dirt and gravel carried in from the gravel platform outside; near the center a large stove in full blast; between the two outer doors six large trunks and a large sack of leather; in one corner a scissors grinder with his machine, plying his trade; in another corner, a pile of what looked like Italian baggage, consisting of bedding, etc., hemmed in and held together by a huge bag of poultry food or fertilizer, which, by the by, have been there for weeks; a stretcher setting up under the ticket desk, giving a gruesome feeling to the waiting passengers; in another corner, a water tank. Sandwiched in were two ladies of prominent families and two or three men, waiting for the train. The absence of any Italians at the time made it possible for the other passengers to breathe. At 10 o'clock, same conditions prevailing minus the scissors grinder, but adding eight ladies and three or four men, waiting for the train. If there is a worse conditioned station, either passenger or freight in the State of New Jersey, I certainly pity the patrons. If there is one place before another which calls for the scrutiny of the Railroad Commission, it is ours, and we should call them at once. Don't think this report is overdrawn, for I tell you the conditions are worse than described.  
 

Article sent to me by Kevin Wright.