Can anyone else remember when the Ringingl Bros. Barnum Bailey Circus Train passed thru Franklin? It was in the mid 50's I was young and My parents took us down the Mine Hill spur to watch it go by. I seem to remember it was more than once. Also if some one could help, I can not remember which line was the predominate coal supplier to B.D. Simmons, Hardens, Mills & Roy? Reading, CNJ or Lehigh Valley? On a lighter note I walked the Mine Hill Line to school and back every day for many years.
I lived about a half block from Warwick's Elm Street crossing. When we heard the circus train was coming, all the neighborhood kids would run down to the crossing to wave the train by. I remember eastbounds being daylight runs, but don't remember any westbounds- they may have come through at night. Since all trains had to stop at Warwick for a crew change, the eastbound train would be just starting, on a slight upgrade, so they'd roll by slowly through town. I can still see the performers hanging out the vestibule dutch doors, waving to us kids.
The train passed through twice a year, on its way into and out of southern New England via the Poughkeepsie Bridge. The Maybrook kids got the best show of all; Maybrook was a watering and excercise stop for the animals- so twice a year they got to watch a circus parade in the yards there.
(Note: edited to correct the travel directions- you can blame my creeping senility. I know I do
