Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.

The last passenger train through Williamsport was 50 minutes late for its own funeral.

The mourners all arrived in plenty of time for the 3:09 p.m. service Friday. There were many kids oblivious to what they were witnessing. There were their parents, who thought so highly of the event as to make sure their kids could say one day they witnessed the end.

The railroad men were there too. One worker, who refused to identify himself, said the passing of the train “was a shame.”

“After 47 years with railroad,” he said. “I never believed I’d see the trains stop.”

State Senator Z.H. Confair boarded the last train for the ride to Harrisburg at the urging of his son, a railroad buff. He said his son urged him to press for legislation to forestall the end.

The news media also turned out to cover the event. Several photographers recorded the train’s coming and going.

When the train finally arrived around 4 p.m., the rites began. Several elderly passengers kissed the conductors good-bye, thanking them for their years of service.

One conductor said he was enjoying the trip, people along the way made quite a fuss. He had a pocketful of cigars and the red streaks on his shirt to vouch for his story.

When it came time for the train to move on, the picture taking and hand shaking increased. The railroad officials wished the conductors well.

One man had a 10-second camera and he took color pictures of all the trainmen. He gave each their picture next to the train as a final memento.

As the train prepared to pull out, one railroad official proclaimed that everyone now will be riding the jets.