The 1894 report of the New York State Railroad Commissioners included a complaint against the Silver Lake Railway.
IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPLAINT OF JOHN K. HAMMOND v. THE
SILVER LAKE RAILWAY COMPANY.
June 6, 1894 .
On May 27, 1894, John K. Hammond, giving his address as Perry N. Y. , complained against the condition of the roadbed of the Silver Lake Railway Company, running from Perry to Silver Lake. All efforts to locate Mr. Hammond and obtain further information from him failing, an inspection of the road was ordered and was made on May thirty-first and June first. The report of the inspector showed the road to be in very bad condition and the recommendations of the inspector were adopted as the recommendations of the Board. The company was notified that in default of prompt compliance with the directions of the Board, an order would be made restricting the speed of trains upon the road to six or eight miles an hour until such time as the road is placed in good condition. The road was subsequently repaired and no further complaints have been received regarding it.
Below is the inspection report referenced by the Board
SILVER LAKE RAILWAY.
This road, as previously reported, is single track and extends from Silver Springs station, on the New York, Lake Erie and Western railroad, to Perry, a distance of six and eighty- six-hundredths miles. In walking over this line little of moment was noted in the way of betterment since 1890.
Its grades and alignment are very easy and its traffic is considerable. In the summer months large excursions and pleasure parties are carried to Silver Lake, where many camp out, spend the summer in cottages and have large religious meetings. In the winter the traffic is mostly to and from Perry, a thriving village at its northerly end.
There is no ballast to speak of on the entire line. Cinders for short distances were noted, but of little use when the whole line is considered. Each report since 1888 has suggested that the road be ballasted, and promises have been given implying that it would be done at each inspection.
Stub switches abound, and upon day of inspection one was noted locked. The switch signals should be painted at once and switches kept locked.
The superintendent informed your inspector that some 450 ties are delivered and to be placed this season. Five or six thousand would place the road in much better condition. Instances were noted where as many as two sleepers were renewed contiguously upon day of inspection. The ties are of various dimensions and unevenly spaced. Too many were noted decayed and not holding the spikes. Joints along the track were noted without sufficient bolts to properly hold the rail safely.
Along the lake front the water has washed away the material between it and the track, in many places beyond the safe limit. Some attempt was made between the inspections of 1890 and 1892 to repair these places, but more stable work is needed. From the track to the water the vertical distance is seven to eight feet. Either the track should be moved inland or the lake front riprapped with stone or other suitable material to make it positively safe.
Some new fencing recently erected was noted along the line. The warning signs need paint and in some instances renewal. One sign was found well painted and in good position.
The openings in the roadbed, of which there a few, are not over three- foot span, and upon day of inspection were safe. Iron pipe should be utilized where possible. Earthen tile, five or six inches in diameter, were noted under the roadbed in not a few places, for carrying the ditch water to the lake. Many of them were noted choked up and not large enough to properly take the water for the distances intended. Systematic drainage and ample water area would greatly benefit the roadbed.
Very little tamping and surfacing, if any, has been done. Five men and a foreman are supposed to keep this road in order, without ballast.
There are four passenger trains each way daily and one freight, which at times also carries passengers.
The trestle at the salt blocks in Perry is being filled, and while at one side of the main line and not used by the public, should at least be made safe until properly filled. The pine through truss bridge over a street in Perry, and used to pass coal over it to coal shed beyond, appears exceedingly light and not amply strong for positive safety . It should be replaced with a through plate girder.
The passenger accommodations are very meager.
Your inspector would suggest that the road be ballasted with gravel or some other good material ; that all the poor ties be renewed; that the public be given better station and platform accommodations ; that the lake front be made perfectly safe, as above described ; that the warning signs and switch signals be painted ; that if the stub switches be allowed to remain they be repaired, and broken and cracked castings be replaced with new ; that they be kept locked when not in use ; that, in short, if the road is to continue in operation, it be at once placed in proper condition for positive public safety and convenience.
Admitting that the summer season is short, that there has been no accident of moment in years, that the speed of trains is slow, and that care is taken at soft and bad places along the line, still , when all is considered, the public is entitled to a large and positive factor of safety at all times. The superintendent informed your inspector that four miles of ballast are to be placed this year and that the road is to be bettered soon.
Three miles of ballast were promised in 1892. The roadbed at present, with sufficient work and attention, could be greatly bettered until the ballast is placed.