Stereopticon slide at Antrim coal mine in 1870s. (New York Public Library Digital Collections)
Coal mine in Morris, Pennsylvania in 1878.
Ovid (N.Y.) Independent
Wednesday, May 29, 1878
A Trip to the Coal Mines
Through the courtesy of General George J. Magee, we were among the invited guests on the trip to the great coal mines of Pennsylvania, made on Wednesday of last week. The excursion train consisted of one beautiful locomotive, one car for “supplies,” (such as luncheon, pure Havanas, mineral waters, lemonades, and some mild stimulants, only used for “medical purposes,” - there were but few “feeble ones,” however, on the train); one elegant smoking car, two new and very fine coaches, named the Dresden and Post Creek; (after stations on the S., G. & C. R.R.); also three elegant new palace cars.
The locomotive was decorated with two large and magnificent American flags. The train all-in-all, in its make-up, presenting a grand and imposing appearance, and furnishing a spectacle seldom seen in this region of country. We started from Geneva promptly on schedule time, 8:05 A.M., stopping at Dresden, Himrods and Watkins, The day was one of the most beautiful to be imagined, and seemed to have been made for the occasion. The view from he train between Geneva and Watkins was especially admired, the lovely, silvery Seneca, with the enchanting landscape, calling forth the most enthusiastic praise of those who for the first time were visiting this region.
At Watkins the train halted fifteen minutes to give the company time to view the new improvements at the Glen bridge and to view the railroad bridge from the ravine below, which is a grand sight. Our next stopping place was at Corning, where we were joined by many distinguished citizens of that place, Elmira, and adjacent points, making the company consist of some 203 ladies and gentlemen, among the latter being included many prominent officials of the N.Y.C.& H.R.R.R., the S., G. & C.R.R., the Cowanesque & Antrim and other railroads. Corning was reached in due season, the country through which we passed being much admired. At this place a sumptuous lunch was brought on board the train, of which the party partook after the cars again got in motion.
At Lawrenceville, Pa., where we arrived at about 11 o’clock, a monster 6-driver locomotive was attached to the train, which made it look to us as if there was “work to be done.” We soon found this to be a fact, as we reached a grade of thirteen miles, the ascent being one hundred feet to the mile. On obtaining the summit, the train was cut in two, each locomotive taking an equal portion.
The road down the mountain we found to be something of a “zig-zag,” and the view from the car windows was pleasing and grand. The accompanying train, owing to the peculiar “winding way” of the road, could be seen part of the time below and part of the time above us. When within a mile of Antrim the trains were again joined, and we proceeded to this place, the terminus of our trip, and the location of the famous Antrim coal mines, all of which are owned by one company, General Magee of Watkins being the president.
Their property here consists of some 17,000 acres of coal lands, 500 tenant houses, one public house, one community store and the coal company’s office. After being treated to a sumptuous dinner, at the hotel and the company’s office, we proceeded to view the coal mines. We were conveyed into the “bowels of the earth” in cars made up into trains of five, and each train drawn by a mule. We penetrated into the m one a distance of about one and a half miles, being escorted by a large number of boys with lamps in their caps.
The miners were at work, and many of the visiting saw for the first time the process of coal mining. Each miner had a lamp in his cap, to light him at his work, and the whole scene was weird and strange.
The miners all looked rugged and healthy, and were apparently happy - this underground life seemingly agreeing with their health and spirits. The numerous mules employed were also in good condition, and gave evidence of possessing to the fullest extent all the varied characteristics of mule nature.
The veins of coal in the “drifts” which we visited were from three to four feet thick. There has been an enormous amount of money expended by the Fall Brook and Antrim Coal Company to develop these mines. We were informed by the engineer tat, including the building of the railroad to the mines and equipping the same, the cost of getting out the first ton ton of coal was not less than $1,000,000.
The company well deserve, as they are receiving, the patronage and encouragement of the country for thus opening and bringing into successful working an enterprise of such vital importance to the public. Everything about their possessions here gives evidence of thrift, enterprise and prosperity. The railroad now in successful operation (the S., G. & C.) is one of the best in the country, and that it was needed is evidenced by the large business which it has already gained. It passes through a delightful region of country - beautiful landscapes, fertile farms, thriving towns and villages with their manufactories and workshops, being visible on every hand.
At 4:45 P.M. we bade adieu to Antrim and its people, and started on the return trip, reaching Corning on schedule time. Here the party were given a bountiful supper at the Dickerson house; and then, once more aboard the train, the journey northward was pursued, and indue time Geneva was reached - and the delightful and memorable visit to the coal region was ended.
The day had been one of unalloyed enjoyment, not an incident having occurred to mar in the least degree the pleasure of the occasion. The whole affair was projected and managed by General Magee, and carried out in the systematic and masterly manner so characteristic of that energetic and public spirited gentleman. Nothing seem to have been overlooked which could added to the comfort and pleasure of the guests, and all provided through the generosity and hospitality of General Magee. His kindness and courtesy on this occasion none who participated in this trip can ever forget.
The day being so perfect - not a cloud to dim the heavens, nor a speck of dust or spot of mud, and a fine bracing air - the party could not help but be merry and social, and, although coming together as strangers, all were speedily on the most agreeable terms, all formality being dispensed with. All-in-all, the trip was one of rare delights from beginning to end, and one of the party has well said, “I never enjoyed such a day in my life, and never expect to again.” The generous hose of the occasion, General Magee, may rest assured that this munificent treat was fully appreciated, and that the trip to the Antrim coal regions will ever occupy an especially bright spot in the memory of each individual who participated therein. May the most abundant success and prosperity every attend him and his. J. B.T.
Watkins Express
New York Central Pennsylvania Timetable No. 60, June 17, 1945
The inspection engine “John” was built at the Fall Brook shops in Corning in 1881. Identified as railroad personnel are, from left, Engineer L. B. Fanning (in the cab); possibly brakeman William Satterly; unknown; Manley T. Inscho, Erie freight and passenger agent at Corning; R. H. Caufield, civil engineer; G. R. Brown, General Superintendent; Daniel Beach, vice president and General Counsel; and Mrs. G. R. Brown and her daughter.
This is another view of the "John." It was named in honor of John Magee, son of President George J. McGee. It was used for commuting between Watkins Glen and Corning as well as for track inspection, official tours and special occasions. Of the “4-2-2" wheel arrangement. Of wood construction, the car had an upright copper boiler. The interior was furnished with what was popular in the Victorian era, including a chandelier. An earlier version of this car was scrapped when it ws found that it did not have enough power for the grades of the route. The newer car was damaged in a fire in Corning in 1883 but was immediately rebuilt.
Elmira Advertiser, April 4, 1883
- The Corning correspondent of the Elmira Advertiser gives the following description. The Engine “John,” the private conveyance of General George J. Magee over his railways is such an admirable piece of machinery that a short description may prove interesting.
On the exterior it appears like a short passenger car, resting on low trucks, and in color and striping is equal to the finest drawing-room cars. It is propelled by a single pair of fort-two inch driving wheels, which are situated about under the center, having two pistons. It cannot stop at a dead point. Under the passenger compartment is a truck having paper wheel. The other end rests on a single pair of paper wheels, weighing fourteen tons and having excellent spring adjustment. It is capable of fifty-five miles an hour. The forward compartment is richly furnished and can accommodate ten passengers comfortably,
A system of steam pipes radiates the requisite heat in the winter. The upper parts of the doors are plate glass an may be swung open, while the power part remains shut. This is a particularly enjoyable feature of a summer ride. The other compartment contains the machinery, and has ample accommodations for the engineer and fireman. A bell connected with a cord passing through the forward compartment, gives the engineer notice to stop, start, etc. Sufficient coal and water space is provided for long runs.
A great many conveyances have been designed for the purpose for which this is used; but in none of them, we venture to say, have the necessary conditions been so perfectly observed. Here is a machine uniting the qualities of absolute safety with a high speed, and at the same time costing but the minimum for repairs, fuel, etc. It was built at the company’s shops in this place, from designs furnished by A. H. Gorton, general superintendent, assisted by O. C. Patchel, master mechanic.Mr. Gorton may be proud of his success in the engine “John.”
He has been identified with the railways of the Fall Brook Coal Company almost since their inception and has demonstrated his fitness for the position in everything which he was called to perform.
