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On July 14, 1982, the M & NJ took delivery of a 1920 steam engine, which would be restored and put into service if warranted by an increase in diesel fuel prices. This never happened, and the steamer remains in storage. Also in 1982, preparatory to abandonment of the main line through Middletown, Conrail made a new connection with the M & NJ. This was done by building a switch on the Graham line, which connected with the former 0 & W/Erie line near the Highland Avenue Extension Railroad crossing. This was completed in October of that year.
In March, 1985, it was announced the State Department of Transportation would build a locomotive repair shop for the M & NJ for $427,000. The DOT would retain title to the shop for 15 years before turning it over to the railroad. Waltech Construction Corporation of Middletown, the lowest bidder, said the pre-engineered building would be located off Charles Street near the intersection with Railroad Avenue. Mr. Rasmussen said the M & NJ occupied the building in the summer of 1986. At the time, there was speculation the old East Main Street station-office would be abandoned, but it remains in use.
The Middletown & New Jersey Railway Company is now over 122 years old. It serves a chemical company in slate Hill about once a week. When asked why he didn't abandon the portion of the road between Slate Hill and Unionville, Mr. Rasmussen replied, "We live in hope," although he describes the future of the road as "uncertain."
MIDDLETOWN & CRAWFORD RAILROAD
Unlike Middletown's other railroads, the Middletown & Crawford has been largely forgotten. Interest in a railroad froin Pine Bush to Middletown began in 1867. A survey of the propos route was made in January, 1868 by L. D. Bruyn and his assistants. Grades were noted to be favorable, and it was recommended Middletown be reached by connecting with the New York & Oswego Midland. Towards the end of January, there was discussion of extending the line beyond Pine Bush. This was to come up periodically, but was never actually done.
Mr. Bruyn, the surveyor, gave his report at a meeting held February 1, 1868, at the Taylor House in Middletown. The Taylor House was a hotel which stood on the corner of James Street and Union Street, opposite the Erie station. Mr. Bruyn estimated the cost of construction to be about $23,000 per mile. A committee was formed to procure subscriptions. This consisted of E.M. Madden, D.B. Irwin and John Shorter representing the Town of Wallkill, with A. Whitten, Archibald Taylor, Daniel Thompson and Robert Thompson from Crawford.
At later meetings, it was agreed to prepare Articles of Association, which were adopted, May 27, 1868. The company was incorporated August 3, 1868. Daniel Thompson of Crawford was the