The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip on Saturday, Oct. 3, to Boyertown that will feature a two-hour ride on the meticulously-restored, century-old Colebrookdale Railroad, with white-glove service luncheon in the dining car.
The Colebrookdale was built in 1865 by soldiers home from the Civil War, to connect travelers to ironmaking sites in Northeastern cities. It declined in use for about 40 years and was out of service for a while. In 2009, the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust was founded to restore the railroad as a heritage line. Over four years, 200-plus volunteers and contributions totaling $8 million restored nine miles of track, 11 bridges and several mahogany passenger cars. Passenger boarding stations in Pottstown and Boyertown were also rebuilt.
The group nicknamed the railroad the “Secret Valley Line” to reflect the hidden gem that passengers will discover as they pass through one of the most scenic and historic regions in the northeast. The train is handicap accessible, with a ramp on which passengers may walk onto the railcar. On the Oct. 3 trip, a choice of two hot entrees is offered.
The day’s itinerary will also include a visit to the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, where Pennsylvania’s transportation history comes alive. On view are vehicles of all types: gasoline, electric and horse-drawn, including carriages, wagons, sleighs, “high wheelers” and “safety bicycles,” plus vehicle builders’ tools and local historic roadside architecture.
The bus will depart at 10:15 a.m. sharp from the Grundy Recreation Center, 475 Beaver St., Bristol Borough, and return at approximately 6 p.m. Cost is $127 for BCHF members and $130 for non-members. For a detailed reservation flyer, call 215-781-8591. Reservations close on Sept. 4 or earlier based on demand.
