Presentations

Richie King presents an in-depth look at George A. Clark, a complicated man known for his unique brand of opinion, profanity, and sarcasm - as well as his generosity, work ethic, and level of attention to just about everyone and everything. The presentation follows Clark’s life from his birth in Rochester, NY, through his formative years in Oregon, to his nearly fifty year career with the Rahway Valley. We also see some of Clark’s most pungent literary creations, his famous calendars, and some of the many letters he received from railfans. King also touches upon the lives of Clark’s father and son, who also served as President and General Manager of the railroad in their own day. The show was certainly a crowd pleaser, eliciting a laugh or two, and demonstrates just what it took to run a one-horse railroad.

Richie King takes you on a tour of the railroad in the 1940s and 50s. The RV was a bustling little freight operation back then. In this presentation, you’ll take a ride along the RV’s 11.8-mile-long streak of rust, including the mainline, three branches, and three interchanges.

Richie King was joined by Jeff Jargosch, a longtime Rahway Valley fan and steam locomotive aficionado, and Walt Switz, a retired railroader and former Rahway Valley employee, for a look at the railroad’s locomotives and equipment.  The show covers the earliest locomotives and their histories. With Jeff, we take a detailed look at the last three steam engines, Nos. 13, 14, and 15, what is was like to operate them, their differences, and idiosyncrasies. With Walt, we cover what it was like to work with the 70-tonners in daily freight service. We even cover the railroad’s lone caboose, the 102, and more.

Richie King shares the more amusing side of the Rahway Valley through the laughable anecdotes, harrowing tales, and sardonic letters he has collected. You’ll learn about the lazy conductor, the kids of the railroad, the tale of the engineer’s ill-fated pie, the firebug, calamities with cars, and much more. You’ll be sure to let out a laugh, or two.

This presentation takes a look at this quirky short-line's daily freight operations. Customers the railroad served are also featured, as well as an abundance of humorous anecdotes. Most, if not all, the information is from extensive interviews Richie King conducted with Walt Switz, who started his railroad career on the Rahway Valley in 1966. A number of Switz's own photographs are also featured... as well as a surprise appearance at the end.

Richie King shares some of the best photography of the Rahway Valley he has come across in his searching. "The “best” photos are rare finds, high quality, or just photos with a good story behind them. There are early color (both steam and diesels), photos from well-known photographers and railfans, and lots of good stories.