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Thursday, 16
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Press Release
The Historical Association of Lewiston welcomes Gregory Gerstung to lead its next program, titled, “By Trolley To Olcott.” This presentation will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah Fellowship Hall, 915 Oneida St.
“By Trolley to Olcott” is a presentation featuring the International Railway Co.’s line from Buffalo to Olcott Beach. Trolley lines were built primarily to handle rush hour crowds of workers during the week. Owners began to find ways idle cars could be used evenings or weekends. Destinations were developed, and Olcott Beach was a natural for seasonal business. The line opened in 1900 and ran until 1937.
Gerstung’s presentation will cover the line, station stops and all that Olcott Beach had to offer, including the beach, picnic area, amusement park, miniature train, band shell, lake connections to Toronto and other ports, and the magnificent hotel with its grand ballroom featuring the big-name bands of the era.
Gerstung currently serves as historian of the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. He has been an active member of the NRHS for 40 years, and active in the restoration of the former Erie Railroad station at 111 Oliver St., North Tonawanda, that is currently used as a railroad museum.
This community event is free and open to all, but donations are greatly appreciated to help support the Lewiston Museum. Refreshments will be served.
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
Fax: 716-773-7190
