By Michael Christodoulou
Earlier this month, the Hicksville Historical Society honored its local history by celebrating the 190th anniversary of Long Island Rail Road and the 69th anniversary of Operation Changeover.
David Morrison, an active member of the Hicksville Historical Society, served as master of ceremonies. The President of the Hicksville Historical Society, Richard Althaus, thanked Morrison for his efforts to preserve the history of Long Island Rail Road and the Hicksville community.
Guest Speakers included local officials such as Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.
“The Long Island Rail Road has long played a crucial role in the success and development of Hicksville,” Saladino said. “Today, we get to look into the past and appreciate this community’s rich history while also looking forward to what will come for future generations to continue to build upon.”
At the ceremony, journals titled “The John Bull Steam locomotive Replica” were provided to each attendee by past president of the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce James Pavone.The journal was first printed in May 2008 for the dedication ceremony of the John Bull steam locomotive replica. Pavone was the creator of the replica, which is now on permanent display in Kennedy Memorial Park downtown Hicksville.
Also present to speak was Fred Ruff, a former Boy Scout at 1955 Operation Changeover. Operation Changeover was a historic event that marked the end of using steam engines on the Long Island Rail Road. According to Hicksville historian Richard Evers, Ruff was “a Boy Scout who, in 1955’s ceremony, rang the Engine 35’s Bell for the last time, in symbolic salute to the then passing of the great L.I.R.R. Age of Steam Trains.”
Ruff stood in front of attendees and rang a steam engine bell to harken back to the last days of steam travel.
Saladino and Althaus jointly unveiled the Operation Changeover plaque, which was designed by Morrison and implemented by Winsor Fireform Company, which specializes in porcelain enamel and imaging.
On the plaque are two trains; Steam Locomotive #35 and Steam Locomotive #39. These trains, according to the text printed on the plaque: “met on a rainy day at Hicksville Station, on October 8, 1955” with the purpose of “marking the end of steam locomotives on the Long Island Rail Road”. The Steam Locomotive #35 and Steam locomotive #39 were the official “retirees” on that day.
This plaque, funded by the Hicksville Historical Society, will be placed at the south end of Hicksville’s Kennedy Park, to landmark the area where the “End of Steam” happened. This plaque will be in the same area where the John Bull Steam Locomotive replica is standing.
Michael Christodoulou is the Recording Secretary of the Hicksville Historical Society.
