THE SMITHVILLE RAILROAD

FROM THE OXFORD TIMES, MAY 31, 1871

   Robert Hurley, engineer and contractor, of this city, has broke ground on the Central Valley RR in Chenango County, N. Y.  This is the first three foot gauge railroad under way in the United States although many are in contemplation.  It is designed as the first link in a through line extending via Cortland and Auburn to the lakes.  The passenger cars on this road are to be 6 feet wide and are designed to be models of neatness and convenience.  The rail is limited by law to a minimum of 40 lbs. to the yard.  The narrow gauge railroad has had a rapid development, and bids fair to monopolize railroad building for the next decade.  Its cheapness of cost and economy of management will enable every village or township of importance to have a railroad of its own.  The cost of the 3 foot gauge road is said to be about one-half of the ordinary railroad, and its running expense in the same while its capacity is nearly as great.  --Scranton Republican

   Ground was first broken on the farms of E. C. Olin and Wm. Harrington, 3 miles below Greene.

CENTRAL VALLEY RAILROAD

OXFORD TIMES, JUNE 14, 1871

   We received a call on Saturday last from Lewis S. Hayes, Treasurer of the Central Valley Railroad, who informs us that the work of grading is progressing finely, some two miles being already completed and ready for the ties.

   The grading was commenced about midway between Smithville and the Junction with the D. L. & W. Railroad, and is progressing each way.  A locomotive, which is to weight ten tons, is being manufactured for the company at the Grant Locomotive Works in Patterson; and the cars for the road are being made in Scranton.  The passenger car will be a model of elegance, and will comfortably seat thirty-six persons.  The iron has been purchased, and is now on its way from England.

   Mr. Hayes informs us that the road will be in running order from Smithville to the Junction by the 15th of August.

THE SMITHVILLE RAILROAD

                                                   

                                                    OXFORD TIMES, JULY 12, 1871

   From a correspondent of the Union, we learn that the grading on the Smithville or Central Valley Railroad is progressing finely.  One cut 18 feet in depth is now being worked.  Ties are making their appearance along the line, and eight boats loaded with rails (one passed here last week) are on their way from New York

ENGINE FOR THE SMITHVILLE RAILROAD

OXFORD TIMES, AUGUST 30, 1871

   A locomotive for the Central Valley Railroad has arrived at Chenango Forks.  Its gauge is 3 feet, weight 8 tons, and was built by the Grant Locomotive Works of Patterson, N. U.  It cost $7000 and is named after Warren Newton, Esq., of Norwich.  This looks like business.

THE SMITHVILLE RAILROAD

OXFORD TIMES, OCTOBER 23, 1872

   We learn that the Central Valley Railroad Co. have sold out to the Western Midland C.; and that work will soon commence on the wide gauge.  The rails on the narrow (3 feet) gauge will be taken up, and there is talk of laying them from Smithville to McDonough.

OXFORD TIMES, JANUARY 22, 1873

   Owing to the recent heavy snow storms, the Central Valley Railroad has become so blockaded that the managers have determined to suspend the running of trains for the present. --AMERICAN