Hawthorne station in 1965 Photo: Tom McConkey
(Postcard from the collection of Pete Hasler)
Hawthorne station (at left) is leased by the VRA from New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway, the station's present owner. We use the station as a ticket office for our fund raising Easter Bunny train rides and Santa Train Ride in NJ for the move of the station away from the corner.
The Volunteer Railroaders Association aka VRA is a non-profit all volunteer group who's heart is into running fundraising passenger trains and operating motor cars. To find our what trips we are running please click on the "Motor Car Trips" above. Our group had the honor of being the exclusive VOLUNTEER group for the Susquehanna 142 steam program in New Jersey in 1993, when we were known as the Susquehanna Volunteer Association. When the NYS&W moved the program to New York the group was left with nothing to do. So they decided to run passenger trains for the enjoyment of the public and to raise funds for historic railroad related items. Since that time we have run many trips carrying THOUSANDS of people. Through these events we try and do all we can to help the URHS and Friends groups to create a State Transportation Museum. In 1997 we changed our name to what it is today to better reflect what we are all about. It was also that year that we got involved in MOTOR CARS. We own and operate four motor cars aka speeders, including a one of a kind Lehigh & New England Railroad Sheffield 40B. We operate these motor cars for the enjoyment of our members and the public. 'Cars keep working on the railroad'
We are at the beginning of the relocation and refurbishment of the Hawthorne Station. The move 75' back from the corner was funded by our recent projects. To complete the job and see the buildings exterior returned to its former glory, we need to do more fund raising. By purchasing pavers you will be enhancing the future of a building that has seen so much of the past and has many stories to tell generations to come. The paver bricks will be part of the walking path that leads from Diamond Bridge Avenue to the station.
4" x 8" Engraved Brick - Grey $75
1 - 3 Lines, 18 Characters & Spaces 8" x 8" Engraved Brick - Red $150 1 - 5 Lines, 18 Characters & Spaces |  | ||
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| Add a logo for $25: | ||
| Heart Cross | *Hawthorne Fire Dept. *Hawthorne Police | |
| Train VRA Logo | *Hawthorne Vol. Ambulance Corps. Hawthorne Bears | |
| * $5 will be donated to the corresponding organization when you chose their logo! | ||
| 4"x8" Engraved Brick - $75 |
8"x8" Engraved Brick - $150 |
Add a logo to your brick - $25 |
 | The timeline goal for the ribbon cutting for the station's Grand Reopening is April 29th, 2011. That way we can celebrate Joseph K. Weber's 50th birthday. |
Remember that the VRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the purchase of pavers can even get you a tax write off!
VRA core valuesOur mission is to raise funds for the restoration and preservation of and awareness about historic railroad right of way, rolling stock and other related items. Also to educate the public through our many events about the history and future need for railroad operations. As a group we get involved in the operation of all sorts of railroad related projects. We run passenger trains, own and operate four motor cars and lease and maintain the historic New York Susquehanna & Western Railroad Hawthorne New Jersey station. We are heavily involved in the creation of the future New Jersey Transportation Museum through our membership in the NJ based United Railroad Historical Society. We ask that our members get involved. Family TripsEach year during the holidays the VRA runs several Santa Claus Train Rides and Easter Bunny Trains rides. These trips are run to raise funds to help the URHS and to help create a New Jersey State Transportation Museum and Heritage Center and other railroad related historical preservation projects. |
To join our group you can call our HOTLINE (973) 238-0555 or E-mail us at volunteerra@yahoo.com.
We welcome anyone who wants to be involved in RAILROADING. If you feel strongly about railroad historical preservation and restoration please get involved with our volunteer group, membership is only $20 per year to be a member and ask them to get involved in our projects.
As our slogan says "SO CLOSE, ONLY THE PAYCHECK IS MISSING." We get dirty, we get tired, we have fun.
We have quarterly members meetings at the St. Clements Church, which is just down the street from Hawthorne NJ NYS&W railroad station which we lease. We also have a quarterly DIGEST newsletter that keeps our members up to date and informed.
