Bellefonte Central
written by Lana Munip, assistant editor, Public Relations and Marketing, University Libraries
The Bellefonte Central Railroad was for several decades the most convenient transportation link between Penn State and the rest of the world. From the turn of the century until it halted passenger service in 1945, the train line shuttled travelers—including thousands of students—to and from State College, connecting at Bellefonte to the vast Pennsylvania Railroad System. It was also a significant transporter of freight to the growing university town up to the early 1970s.
A mere nineteen miles long, the Bellefonte Central Railroad played an integral role in the development of the local economy. This historical train line is now the subject of an exhibition currently on display in the Pattee Library main exhibit area.
Bellefonte Central Railroad Engine Shed,
Penn State University Archives collection
Through photographs and other archival materials, the exhibition charts the growth and significance of the rail line that began life in 1886 as the Buffalo Run, Bellefonte, and Bald Eagle Railroad, and was reorganized as the Bellefonte Central in 1892. The exhibition is being held in conjunction with a newly published book, Rails to Penn State, by Michael Bezilla and Jack Rudnicki. The authors, both Penn State alumni, will give a presentation about the book, followed by a book signing on July 12, at 3:30 p.m. in the Foster Auditorium, 101 Pattee Library.
Bezilla andRudnicki made extensive use of the vast resources of the Special Collection Library’s Historical Collections and Labor Archives when conducting research for their book. The library’s resources are considerable—it acquired Bellefonte Central corporate records in 2001 and has a total of 122 boxes of cataloged archival materials in its holdings.
Bezilla, a director in University Relations, is the author of many books on the history of Penn State. Rudnicki, a supply chain management graduate, is in sales management for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Railway. Rails to Penn State will be available for sale at the book signing on July 12. Sponsored by Penn State University Libraries, the event is free of charge and open to the public.
The exhibition will run through August 24. For more information, contact James Quigel, head of Historical Collections and Labor Archives, at 814-863-3181.