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.