The Pine Creek Railroad of Allaire State Park in Wall Township celebrates a big milestone this year, its 50th birthday.
Established in August 1952 on Route 9 in Marlboro, the railroad is the oldest continuously operating steam preservation railroad in the United States.
According to a press release, the beginnings were small — just a few volunteers and some old railroad equipment, but over the years many historic pieces had been restored back to service and operated for the enjoyment of the public.
By 1963 the railroad had outgrown its original location and was moved one piece at a time to new quarters in Allaire State Park in 1963 and 1964.
At the same time the group reorganized as the not-for-profit New Jersey Museum of Transportation (NJMT).
Every year on the Sunday after Labor Day the NJMT Pine Creek Railroad holds its annual Railroaders Day, billed as "Everything that runs, does." This year, in honor of the 50th anniversary, the event will be held on two days, Sept. 7-8.
Trains will leave every half hour from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and train fare is $5 per person, which includes the shop tour. There will be locomotives and trains in operation, exhibits and displays, live music, hands-on" exhibits for children and more.
The railroad is in Allaire State Park, Route 524, Wall. For further information call (732) 938-5524 or visit www.njmt.org.