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here. At the end, it was agreed to establish a bonding committee to seek $300,000, down from the original demand made by the Midland. The committee was made up of the leading citizens; E. M. Madden, E.P. Wheeler, 0.B. Wheeler, D.B. Irwin, James N. Pronk, Robert Houston, and Harvey Everett.
A strong anti-bonding sentiment arouse, opposed to the Midland's not-S0-subtle blackmail. Besides, Wallkill already had the Erie. It seemned it was the Midland that needed Middletown, rather than the other way around. Yet, many of Middletown's foremost citizens were anxious to secure the Midland and the shops and offices promised with it, campaigning to bond the town as needed.
In late January, 1868, it was announced the Town of Wallkill was bonded and the railroad secured to Middletown. Middletown's Elisha P. Wheeler was elected vice-president of the Midland, March 26, 1868. The contract for construction out of Middletown was let September 28, 1868. Ground was broken in Middletown for this portion of the road October 25, 1869. This took place in what was Millspaugh's apple orchard near the station on Wickham Avenue.
With completion of the roadbed for this section, track laying from here began November 17, 1870. A.B. Deming, a Middletown businessman, drove the first spike. Four passenger cars for the Midland arrived via the Erie, December 3, 1870, followed by a locomotive a few days later. This was NY & OM No. 7, the "Orange," which had been built by Rhode Island Locomotive Works in August, 1869.
The first train ride on the Midland from Middletown was inade December 10, 1870. At 4:30 PM, the coaches, crowded with excited passengers, including Elisha Wheeler, left the new engine house and ran out several miles to the Elston property. As far as can be determined, this was about where the Graham Line tracks now pass under the old 0 & W tracks near the Highland Avenue Extension railroad crossing. Several cords of wood were loaded, then the train returned, Edward Williams was the engineer and Robert Williams was the fireman on this trip. At this time, a temporary railroad station was erected at the Cottage Street crossing while a turntable was being prepared in the yard. On January 7, 1871, eight box cars arrived via the Erie for use on the Midland.
Regular service from Middletown began Monday, January 16, 1871. There were three northbound trains, leaving Middletown at 5:30 AM, 12:15 PM, and 8:00 PM. Southbound trains arrived at Middletown at 6:50 AM, 11:50 AM, and 7:40 PM. The railroad was not yet completed, limiting travel. From Middletown, stations were Fair Oaks (where the tracks cross Fair Oaks Road, a short distance off old 17) which was a flag stop Purdy's, another flag stop (located where the railroad crosses Decker Road); winterton (flag stop); and Bloomingburg, later Highview, at the