Chapter News

World War II Troop Sleeper Restoration

As agreed to at the last Chapter meeting at Steamtown on June 22, the Chapter is partnering with the Iron Horse Society to restore a Pullman Troop Sleeper car. The car is part of the Steamtown collection and it has been moved to an area accessible for inspection. The Chapter is hoping to have a finalized fundraising plan in placed by early September. Any member who is interested in assisting with this phase of the project is welcome to reach out to Jim Parolski, the Chapter Treasurer, (609) 306-9349, jwpnj@aol.com. We anticipate that once at least $40,000 is raised, any asbestos can be removed and then work can begin on the exterior of the car. Chapter members will be able to sign up and participate in the restoration, a necessary component keeping costs down. It is hoped that the Sleeper will be cosmetically restored in time for a Memorial Day, 2026 unveiling. Once the project is underway a separate website page will be started.

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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. The shirts and caps will be available for purchase at the September 27th meeting in Tobyhanna. We may have the shirts available for use by our volunteers only, at the Steamtown Rail Fest information booth.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.