This Purim, several days ago, the youngsters presented me with a replacement. The logo is accurate, but the mug is a white one made in China, and the logo was done by a local engraving shop. Anyway, now my memory of Richard Horstmann and the wonderful trips I had with him is secure.
Gotta love life!
RIDEWITHMEHENRY is the name for our almost monthly day of riding trains and transit in either the NYCity or Philadelphia areas including all commuter lines, Amtrak, subways, light rail and trolleys, bus and ferries when warranted. No fees, just let us know you want to join the ride and pay your fares. Ask to be on our email list or find us on FB as RIDEWITHMEHENRY (all caps) to get descriptions of each outing.
Dick Horstmann was one of kind PV (Private Varnish) owner. The "Lehigh Valley 353" was a beautiful car that Dick and his one man crew kept up to date. I met Dick many times as an Amtrak Conductor running out of Albany. He was great to have on the rear of our trains (he kept the LV 353 on the siding at the old NYC East Syracuse station)....always inviting you back for coffee, and talk (when it wasn't under contract for a party). That car was so smooth riding...like riding a cloud (or an old Buick!!). When Dick got sick, we lost track of him. Don't know what happened to him or the LV 353....but I will always remember the LV 353 on the rear from all points (NYG/NYP, Boston, Montreal, Syracuse, NFL...etc).
Dick passed away about ten years ago...I think, but am not sure, the 353 was in the collection of either CNY Chapter NRHS or to PA State museum...
Lehigh Va\lley 353 is available for inspection at Steamtown, and can be chartered by arrangements with the musuem.
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