United Railroad Historical Society of NJ Inc. — Local services in Boonton

I was on the trip to Albany on Saturday April 20, the first of the season. Arriving at Moynihan Hall and spending time in the lounge where we were treated to great coffee, pastries and other breakfast options...all complimentary. Boarding was fine . We were in the second car (not Hickory Creek). Non alcoholic beverages and a good assortment of tasty sandwiches were provided for our lunch. Shortly after leaving the Poughkeepsie, the train broke down...brake issues. We were stranded for nearly two hours before moving again. Everything was downhill from this point. Out of the 4 bathrooms (2 in each car), only one was working. There was a constant wait line for the bathroom, which eventually became pretty unsanitary). I could not understand why we weren't able to use the restrooms on the regular Amtrak cars that we were attached to. People also wanted to charge their phones, but again we were not allowed access to the Amtrak cars. The group coordinator provided sporadic and mostly unhelpful updates. Once we got to Rensselear/Albany we waited in the station for about 45 minutes for the train to turn around. Luckily the station was clean, had a coffee spot and some girl scouts selling cookies. Our layover was a sales bonanza for them! On the way back we were given complimentary beer, wine and a few snacks. This was the first trip of the season. Why did no one attend to the bathroom issue before we left? Train breakdowns do happen, but the lack of info was rust rating, Our waiter Dave was friendly, calm, professional and a joy to have around. If it wasn't for Dave , there would have been a mutiny! I hope the company appreciates what a wonderful...

The Boonton Rail Yard is the current home of the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey. It is open to the public 1 day per year in late September on Boonton Day. Here’s what you need to know about that and the history of the yard itself.

An 1868 map shows the rail yard already existed but the mainline running north did not. The Boonton Branch ran under Morris Ave through a tunnel that is currently filled in where there then was a turntable and trestle bridge connecting the line to the Boonton Iron works. By 1887 the mainline running north was in service. Volunteers at the historical society said the tunnel continued to be operational until the 60s and aerial photos suggest the line under Morris Ave may have still existed as late as 1979. The historical society moved here sometime between 2007 and 2008.

The society works to restore, preserve, and educate the public about railroad history in the area. The yard is home to cars and locomotives in various states of repair. One day per year they open to the public (with a nominal admission fee) and you can tour the yard and explore inside many of the trains.

Even if the weather isn’t great you’ll still have a great time. Parking on the street south of the yard is permitted and free and it’s a short walk to the entrance. They have bathrooms and snack for sale on site.

Come with questions, the members of the historical society know their stuff and are happy to chat all things railroad. Also ask them to show you the tunnel leading to the Boonton Iron Works. Few...

It was like riding in a DeLorean going back in time to 1948. My wife and I dressed up in our vintage clothing in her vintage dress and myself in my seersucker suit and walked the red carpet to board the Hickory Creek 20th Century Limited Pullman passenger car. The cars speak for themselves, sleek, beautifully Crafted, comfortable interiors all with the original amenities included. The staff are amazing, Lou and Brianne took care of the Hickory Creek 20th Century limited car. We had a beautiful, delicious white Linen tablecloth lunch served to us at our table. Delicious wine, and beer served all the way through our trip, fresh flowers in the window and then tasty hors d’oeuvres on the return trip from Albany back to Moynahan station. That was also a very nice addition was being able to use the Metropolitan lounge at Moynahan station in the beginning of the trip where you have full access to the food and drinks for brunch before you leave. You will not go hungry. Many of the people that you will see on the train are volunteers and some are paid by the historical railroad and I want to thank them all for such a Amazing lovely trip from the Big Apple to Albany...