Charlie Hughes, of Hughesville, presented a talk on past railroads and stations in our area at the Sonestown Legion on Monday morning, March 20, to a crowd of 65. He displayed dozens of photos of trains and railroad stations that he has collected over the years.

Charlie is part of a group that named themselves the History Buffs. Spokespersons Meg Geffken and Donna Haines recalled their history and how they found their present home at the Legion. “Our meetings were at the Brass Pelican in Benton for several years,” Donna says. Meg provided details: “Monica Diltz was a cook at the Brass Pelican. Many retired people would come in for breakfast and this one group always talked about how things used to be around the area, in ‘old times.'” Meg tells that they began to notice that while they were talking, the rest of the patrons got quiet and listened. “Monica often participated in these conversations, and she got the idea of making it a regular scheduled event at the restaurant.” Donna shared that they formed an informal group, “not a club with officers or dues or anything, just friendly people interested in the past.” Word spread and attracted many newcomers. The expanded group has been meeting to have breakfast and to present Talks on the third Monday of each month since then (except during the heights of the Pandemic), though a date for when it all began, seems to elude us all. “Anyone in the group can suggest a subject or person for a Talk and others will always help set up and assist in any way they’re needed,” Meg says. Monica eventually retired and shortly after that the Brass Pelican closed, so the History Buffs began the search for another home. They eventually found one at the Sonestown Legion. “The breakfast is terrific,” both Donna and Meg agree. “Everyone seems to really enjoy the food and the Talks.”

Charlie Hughes’ Talk offered stories and details about the W&NB railroad that ran from Hall’s Station to Satterfield and into the Lehigh Valley. “At one time,” he says, “there were 16 passenger trains running every day, eight North and eight South, and two transporters of coal. There were railroad stations at Hall’s; Pennsdale; Chippewa; Hughesville; Tivoli; Glen Mar; Strawbridge; Muncy Valley; Sonestown; Nordmont; Laporte (Tannerytown); Ringdale; and Satterfield. A spur branched off between Ringdale and Satterfield to Mildred and Bernice for coal transport.” “In the more populated area,” Charlie said, “within or near the stations were telegraph offices, Dispatchers and Post Offices.” Old times, for sure.

Upcoming History Buffs Talks include, “A Trip on the Erie Canal,” by Jay Myers on April 17; “Memories of a Coal Mining Town,” by Martin Hula on May 15; “100 Years at Grassmere Park,” by Stacey Hess Geffken; with more Talks scheduled every third Monday of the month at the Sonestown Legion. Breakfast is offered at 7:30 and the Talks begins at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come listen, eat and enjoy.