Chapter News

4th Annual Local History Fair

Several members represented the Chapter at the Scranton Area Local History Fair at the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City, PA. Mark Krisanda, Daniel Smutek and Jim Parolski, manned the table where we offered R&LHS memberships, publications and several pieces Lionel DL&W rolling stock that had been donated to the Chapter for fundraising purposes.

Chapter Participated AT RailFest

The Chapter was represented at RailFest on all three days at our new pop up booth at the main entrance. We had contact with several hundred participants, introduced the Chapter and handed out membership pamphlets. A Big Thank You to our members who manned the booth, giving up part of their Labor Day weekend.

President Mark Krisanda presented The Iron Horse Society with the Chapter’s $10,000 check to start work on the WWII Troop Sleeper Restoration Project. Accepting the check is Mike Rinkunas, looking on is SteamTown NPS Superintendent, Jeremy Komasz.

Chapter Receives Donation Of Maine Central Caboose 645

The Chapter has received Maine Central extended copula Caboose #645, from William Basile. The caboose is currently stored in the Black River & Western Railroad’s Ringoes NJ yard. The caboose is good condition, Jim Parolski inspected it and placed new padlocks on the doors to secure it. BR&W has been contacted about the change of ownership and the need to have a COT&S inspection. BR&W has not yet responded to the Chapter. NPS Steamtown is interested in having the Chapter move the caboose their location. This should make for a great Chapter meeting and discussion at the September 27 meeting in Tobyhanna. Mark your calendars!

Members Only Web page is up

The Chapter’s password protected webpage is up! Those members who responded to this weekend’s email test blast will receive this year’s password later this week. If you did not receive the email, please check your spam folder for the email from Jim Parolski Treasurer (jwpnj@aol.com). Please contact Jim to update or confirm your email address.

Lackawanna Chapter RLHS Facebook Page

Over the weekend, Chapter President, Mark Krisanda, set up a Facebook page for the Chapter. Right now there is limited content, visit, friend and contribute content to the account. If you are interested in helping out or administrating the page please reach out to Mark.

WWII Troop Sleeper Project Page addeD

Chapter Merchandise

Chapter Golf shirts in Lackawanna Burgundy and gray have been designed and ordered. A price around $40 will cover the cost, with a small portion going to the Chapter. A gray embroiled baseball cap is in the design phase as well. Our Chapter golf shirts have been delivered and our RailFest volunteers may purchase them for $40 cash on site. We are not allowed to offer them or sell RLHS publications to the public at RailFest. The shirts and caps will be available for purchase at the September 27th meeting in Tobyhanna. We are working on the cost of shipping shirts and caps.

Passing of Ross Rowland, July 19, 2025

Ross was one of the founding members of the Lackawanna Chapter, R&LHS, a steam preservationist, operator of the High Iron Company and organizer of both the 1969 Golden Spike Centennial Limited and the 1975-76 American Freedom Train. He owned several mainline steam locomotives over the years and his last locomotive, C&O 614, is currently being overhauled at the Strasburg Railroad Shops. He will be long remembered and missed by the railfan community, especially in the Tri-State area.

Passing of Paul R. Hart

The Chapter lost another longtime member, Paul R. Hart, on June 1, 2025, in Scranton, PA. Paul was a lifelong resident of Scranton, who was deeply involved with several educational, historical and transportation organizations in the area.

Passing of Ken Miller

The Chapter is very sad to announce the passing of long time Chapter President, Ken Miller. Ken died on March 18, 2025, in Easton, PA. Ken fought a long-term battle with declining health but still remained very involved in preserving historical sites and artifacts in Northwest New Jersey. We have lost a great friend and historian. As per Ken’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

Phillipsburg Station

Work Continues on restoring the Phillipsburg Union Station, headquarters of the Friends of the New Jersey Transportation Heritage Center. The front brickwork has been restored with the removal of the green paint. Interior work continues and much of the first floor has been completed.