"James Watt patented his steam engine on the eve of the American Revolution, consummating a relationship between coal and the new Promethean spirit of the age, and humanity made its first tentative steps into an industrial way of life that would, over the next two centuries, forever change the world."
Chapter 5: Trains Can Take You Anywhere!
The Industrial Revolution was the beginning of a new era for modern transportation. Soon after major railroads were built, many local stations were being built to join the contribution of this new phenomenon.
It was supposed to be a great day to have a picnic at the park. The train from the Cohocksink depot in Philadelphia was running late to take the children at the St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Sunday School to their designated location. The Aramingo train was unaware of the train being late, so it went out on the single track that led to the two trains' collision at Camp Hill Station.
The Picnic Special
The crash and screams from the accident was heard from nearby communities. One brave Quaker woman stepped up and walked 2 miles from her home to help those who were injured from the train wreck. Her name was Mary Ambler. She used her home as a hospital where she aided the injured passengers. From her heroism and contribution that day, the town and train station were named in her honor.
A Name Remembered
Ambler Station
Formerly named Wissahickon Station
Renamed in honor of Mary Ambler
Penllyn Station
Opened in 1855
Rebuilt in 1902
Read more about its construction in the Ambler Gazette (Page 7)
Gwynedd Valley Station
Opened in 1855
Stony Creek Railroad (1873-1945)
Pennsylvania and Reading Railway Company (1945-1976)
Belfry station is the only station to operate in Whitpain Township.
A train accident occurred on September 21, 1919 between a freight train and a passenger milk train, resulting in at least 5 passengers and 3 employees injured. A fireman was killed at the scene.
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Read the headline on Page 4.
Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley Traction Company -
Chestnut Hill Division (1902-1926)
Montgomery Traction Company (1902-1912)
Lehigh Valley Transit Company -
Philadelphia Division (1912-1951)
Centre Square Station
Normandy Farm Station
