Railride into Yesteryear
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Let the historic Delaware & Ulster Railroad transport you to a simpler, gentler time and place. Hop aboard the train in Arkville, ride along the scenic East Branch and disembark in a different world: the charming, unspoiled Hamlet of Roxbury — alive with all the agreeable pursuits of 1898.
Once in Roxbury, you can enjoy an idyllic pace far from the noise and bustle of modern life: it’s easy being green when everything you need is within easy walking distance and a horse-drawn surrey is headed your way. Leave your car and your parking hassles behind as you take in all the agreeable pursuits of mountain life 100 years ago. Cheeky newsboys will race by, hawking the Roxbury Times with the day’s events and specials. Take a stroll from the depot to sample the bustling market carts, filled with fine summer produce, crafts (and maybe a snake oil potion or two).
Genteel beyond their years, youthful scholar guides will lead you through the rich architectural treasures of Roxbury from the leisurely pace of an elegant horse-drawn hotel coach or a shady stroll down Main Street. These young ladies and gents have done their homework on the rich history of this village, one that both naturalist John Burroughs and rail baron Jay Gould called home. Visiting humanities lecturers in the culture of the Gilded Age will immerse you in the lifestyles of the 19th century, from hearth to highbrow.
Come afternoon, the sound of a real wooden bat will echo off the mountain: time to find a sunny spot in the bleachers for vintage base ball 19th-century style on the elegant 14-acre lawnscape of Kirkside Park. Watch the hometown boys of summer, The Roxbury Nine, take on their fierce vintage rivals. The waft of homecooked BBQ and other authentic “savouries” will keep you cheering all afternoon.
Experience the ease, fun and authenticity of the Catskills of 100 years
ago . . . History, Victorian architecture, vintage base ball action,
and a warm hometown sense of hospitality will provide an unforgettable day
for your entire family and complete your transformation into a Catskills
state of mind . . .
Depart 11 am, Delaware & Ulster Railroad
Arkville NY depot – State Route 28, 40 miles west of the NYS
Thruway Exit 19
www.durr.org
Arrive 11:45 am Roxbury Depot
Tour an authentic train depot & exhibit of 19th century Catskills railroad
history
Depart 3 pm Roxbury Depot
Arrive Arkville – approx. 4 p.m.
For reservations or info call: 607 326-3722
--photos by Alec Walker and Trish Adams
