I was delighted to join US Senator Bob Casey, Steamtown National Historic Park Superintendent Deborah Conway, as well as State Representative Sid Michaels Kavulich for the opening of Railfest 2014 at Steamtown this morning. George and Joseph Scranton initiated the age of industrialization in Scranton by earning an unlikely, but important and profitable, T-rail contract from the New York and Erie Railroad. In 1846, the New York and Erie could not obtain from British manufacturers the rails they needed for a new rail line between Port Jervis and Binghamton. The Scrantons stepped in to pitch for the work. Despite the reservations of the railroad, the Scrantons not only won the business but they capably and professionally delivered on that 2-year contract to provide 12,000 tons of T-rails. By 1853 they had, with the confidence of New York investors, incorporated an $800,000 iron and coal company in Scranton. The economic growth and the remarkable industrial innovations of that era built the city, this region, this Commonwealth and our nation. So, today, as Senator Caseys poignant remarks reminded us this morning, we embrace and celebrate the past and our wonderful and proud history, but we are also inspired by that history to fulfill dreams for a better future. Of particular importance to me today was the opportunity to acknowledge and to honor Mrs. Donna Hagen as the Railfest 2014 Grand Marshall. Donna, sometimes referred to as the 1st Lady of Steamtown NHS, is the wife of the late Harold Kip Hagen, who served us so well as Superintendent at Steamtown and who left us much too soon. As a former chair of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and as someone who loves our local history, I can say from personal experience that to know Kip was an honor and a real joy. He was beloved by the staff and volunteers at the park and indeed, by everyone who knew him. As I told Donna this morning, I know Kips spirit is still at Steamtown in every whistle that blows and in every waft of steam coming off a locomotive. Let me take this opportunity to wish for all families of the 22nd District a great Labor Day Weekend -- Railfest is underway and La Festa Italiana embraces Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton. I hope everyone will come out to enjoy friends and family in the fair weather this weekend -- there is great food and great music -- and fun to be had by all in the city. All best wishes and kind regards, Senator John P. Blake
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 22:45:45 +0000
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