Railroad enthusiasts gather in Lackawanna for Key, Lock and Lantern Convention
by Joshua Oculam
Sat, May 11th 2024 at 10:10 PM
Updated Sun, May 12th 2024 at 1:05 PM
Carbondale, Lackawanna Co. — A national organization of railroad historians and collectors are in Lackawanna County this weekend for the annual Key, Lock and Lantern Convention.
“It’s really fun to talk to other collectors and kind of inspire people to collect or learn about railroad history and preserve artifacts from an industry that was critical in developing this country,” said Sabrina Kennedy. Kennedy was one attendees who displayed her collection of railroad histoy, but it’s also history she’s now a part of as a conductor herself.
“I really enjoy continuing the legacy of railroading,” said Kennedy.
Lackawanna County has played a deep role in this legacy.
The Ontario & Western Railway Historical Society was excited to be here since the shutdown line went through the area decades ago.
“The O&W built the Scranton division into this area from the main line in Cadosia, New York in 1890,” said President Joseph Senese. “This portion of the line was extended to Scranton, Pennsylvania. And the main purpose for that line was to excess the rich coal veins in this area for the New York markets.”
Senese says remnants remain throughout the area and the Lackawanna Heritage Walking Trail.
Some people who currently live in the Lackawanna county say they are still connected with the rail line.
“I realized my grandfather worked for the NY O&W, what can you tell me about it? And with our archives, we do have an archives research center in Middletown, New York, we have a lot of employee records. We can look up their employee, sometimes we find pictures of them. So it’s really great, it’s good to know we’re keeping up that part of the history, history of the area and a part of the country’s history alive,” said Senese.