Tracks across America

SPARTA — Building a railroad across the United States required ingenuity, courage, and thousands of men. Driven by the dream of linking the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific, in the 1860’s two rival railroad companies raced to complete the Transcontinental Railroad. Battling the Rocky Mountains, avalanches, Indian attacks, and the barren Great Plains, the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads got the job done in record time. Join Dr. Raymond Frey as he retells this amazing American story, almost 140 years to the day the railroad opened for through traffic. Frey is Professor of History at Centenary College in Hackettstown, where he has taught for the last 19 years. He is the recipient of three major teaching awards, including the 2008 New Jersey Historical Commission Award of Recognition. Frey has appeared in two television documentaries about New Jersey history, including an episode of “The History Detectives” about Thomas Edison, produced by PBS. Listen to Frey’s narrative about one of the most amazing construction projects in America on May 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Sparta Ambulance Squad building at 14 Sparta Ave. For members in good standing, the event is free; a $2 donation is appreciated from non-members. Refreshments will be served. Contact Ed Fritsch for more information: 973-729-0644.