A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FINGER LAKES LIVE STEAMERS, INC.
compiled by Timothy B Guenther
(Research based upon meeting minutes, member recollections, and the Pop Valve)
This track was added using over 37 track panels built under the pavilion using Accu Tie materials. While the building of the panels only took two weekends, the whole effort to grade roadbed, lay panels, make all the track connections, install two turnouts, and finally ballast the track took most of three months. But that was about 400 foot of new track when all finished. All done just in time for the 55th invitational meet.
As a step to eventual bidirectional running, the passing track on the west side of the south bridge loop was finished. Many members were part of this project over the summer.
The south bridge loop was a project long in planning and execution. It adds about 1500′ to the mainline run. It is a figure eight under and over a fine bridge. All of the construction cost was sponsored by a club member. This was all finished in time for our 50th anniversary event.
Rabbit Run, a new route through the woods on the edge of the property up to Marengo Station begins by cutting in a turnout at Baxter’s Curve. https://pbase.com/flls/image/163468702
Work on second track up the 2% hill from the inner loop. Connection from inside loop uphill to the mainline
Bob Hoffman designed and supervised the building of the passenger station platform and shelter.
The club is incorporated under the laws of New York State.
Planning for the 7¼ inch gauge railroad has started.
The second annual picnic takes place. Dave Conroy’s Atlantic is the first engine to run at the club along 170′ of point to point track that has been laid.
The first piece of rail is laid on the elevated track.
The club purchases a 4,000 gallon cypress water tank for $25.
FLLS exhibits at the Pageant of Steam in Canandaigua, NY.
The first posts are installed for an elevated track. This will become a dual gauge (3½ & 4¾) railroad primarily for ¾” & 1″ scale models to operate.
The first picnic is held at Marengo.
The club starts a newsletter to keep members informed and is called the Fin-Lay Pop Valve. Richard Alley is the first Editor. Work also begins at Marengo.
The club leases approximately 12 acres of land, just west of Marengo, NY, with an option to buy. The constitution is accepted by majority vote.
Membership is up to 70 members.
The name of the organization is changed to Finger Lakes Live Steamers to better identify the name of the club with the geographical region that it would serve. A committee starts work on a constitution and by-laws for the club.
A photo and announcement of the newly formed club “Genesee Valley Live Steamers” appears in Live Steam Magazine.
Charter members were: James V. Wright Robert C. Hannum Walter B. Packard John S. Eyster Henry N.B. Hospers John C. MacDonald G.B. Gary Hilton Ed Nolan Norman E. Kistner Erwin Kistner Sanford S. Whittum Robert V. Graham Lloyd B. Andrus Lawrence A. Smith Richard C. Alley Edward Van Leer Jim Wright was elected President and John Eyster became Secretary/Treasurer. The primary goals were to search for potential new members and find a suitable location for a track.
Jim Wright was born in England and educated there as a chemical engineer. Coming to this country, he took a job with a chemical company in Philadelphia and joined the Pennsylvania Live Steamers. Changing positions again, he came to Rochester where he discovered there was no live steam club. He wrote to Live Steam Magazine requesting all Live Steamers in the greater Rochester area meet at his house. Bill Fitt, then Editor, published his request and he had a good turnout, coming not only from Rochester, but Syracuse, Pulaski, and Fulton.