PC1100 wrote: I recall reading an old NY Times article from the early 1890s or so, that mentions that New Haven RR trains stopped on signal at 138th Street....about passengers, and even the train announcer at the station, being confused as to what the destinations were of [NH trains].I've read same type articles too. Bronx politicians were very put out that they were denied the service. In fact for many years, the station at 138th Street (at the foot of the Grand Concourse) was called "The Bronx." That makes sense because much of the area (including many Harlem stations) above 138th St was part of Westchester County until NY City annexed the area around 1900.
One article I really got a laugh out of was from earlier, also the TIMES, I think. It was written in a funny not serious way. This was in the 1870s right after the NY Central took the NY & Harlem under longterm lease (about 400 years) and some suburban equipment began to be used on either line.
A Harlem train came in to 138th St and a matronly lady bound for Tuckahoe refused to get on the coach because it was lettered "New York Central & Hudson River." I think it was also painted red (or green) versus the normal NY & Harlem yellow. (Or vice versa.) They said the platform attendant or agent (or both) had quite a time convincing her this WAS the right train. I think finally the train conductor had to come down and assure her yes, this coach would indeed get her to her destination. The punch line was her telling the conductor, "But I don't wish to ride in a New York Central coach, Sir!"
Different era.