LIRR Bethpage

Bethpage

K4s #5406 and Sunday-only train #4229 westbound past "B" Tower Bethpage Jct. 5/11/47 (G. E. Votava photo)
(Note white-painted smokebox!) Archive: Dave Keller

Bethpage Central Ave view east toward Tower B Archive: Dave Keller (1) Warren L. Kessler, Inc LIRR #1558 RS3 Westbound in 1957 Photo: Joe Hagan (4) LIRR #608 08/01/1972 westbound Photo: Brian Woodruff	LIRR C420 #221 Westbound commuter accelerates away from "B" Tower after brief stop for a signal at Bethpage, NY 05/06/67 LIRR #1520 RS2 Westbound freight switching Sturtevant Coal at Broadway Ave. LIRR #455 08/01/1972 Photo: Brian Woodruff	LIRR #1551 Eastbound work train running against the current of traffic on mainline #1 The low home (dwarf as others call it) is visible in the foreground. The bridge abutment in the close distance is Central Avenue. The spur went to General Motors when there was a warehouse there. Currently, it ends at the back parking lot for the Sleepy's warehouse. I would assume that this siding was taken out when the mainline was electrified and control of the branch was taken over by Divide. Note the train order signal attached to the top head of the position light home signal Archive: Joe Tischner (2)	LIRR #1552 Westbound Archive: Joe Tischner⁽³⁾ NYA #271 Westbound past "B" Tower Bethpage Jct. 09/19/08 Photo: Joe Tischner
Bethpage Maps
Emery Map Bethpage (Central Park) 1916		Emery Map MP27 - MP28 05/1958
Emery Map MP28 - MP29 05/1958		LIRR MP 27- M28 Sidings Map - 1966
Notes:
(1) Compare this early shot taken by George Votava looking east toward “B” tower with Joe Tischner’s photo, marked (3). I borrowed Joe’s color shots from the forum to use as a comparison. Bear in mind Votava’s view was shot from the remains of the old, unused, Long Island Motor Parkway overpass over the LIRR AND over Central Ave. (Formerly Central Park Ave.) (2) Joe Tischner’s shot marked (2) is looking the other way. Joe mentions that the bridge abutments (shown in line with the 2nd hopper) are those for the overpass over Central Avenue . Votava’s photo (1) shows Central Ave (formerly Central Park Ave. ) AT GRADE. See how close to Central Ave. the siding began? Compared to the old photo above, it would have passed right in front of the door to the crossing watchman’s outhouse had it been laid prior to elevating the ROW and tracks and/or depressing the crossing of Central Ave. or a combination of both to make the grade less steep for trains to climb! Dave Keller (3) This shot is looking in the same direction as the old shot marked (1). Look at the tower in the right background and siding branching off in the foreground and compare to Votava’s photo, using the tower in the right background for reference . . . . . . no siding back then, of course and Central Ave. was at grade. Input: Dave Keller (4) Passing Warren L. Kessler, Inc., 300 Broadway Ave., Bethpage, NY Manufacturer of lamps, candle holders, etc. In l939 (the company operated from 1938-1978 )Warren Kessler built a factory on the site of the Feuchsel Pickle Works, located north of the railroad tracks, east* of Broadway. This company manufactured lamps and lighting units for all the American embassies around the world. Exquisite Kessler lamps were included in the remodeling of the Truman White House. Motto in l946 "What Bethpage Makes - Makes Bethpage." Warren L. Kessler, Inc. Manufacturers of lamps and decorative accessories. Known throughout the nation for exquisite glass products. Source: Encyclopedia of the Unincorporated Village of Bethpage Kessler Empire Style Candelabra Lampe In the year 2000, a CVS drug/convenience store was built on the site of the Kessler factory east of the tracks on 300 Broadway Ave. Photo: Al Castelli KESSLER GLASS Historical Marker Site of Warren Kessler Inc. manufacturer of hand-blown lamps & vases 1938-78 that have graced the White House and U.S. Embassies worldwide Donated by the Kessler Family Photo: Al Castelli