It’s the most wonderful time of the year! At the boarding platform of the Richland Train Station in Buena Vista Township, the Christmas season can already be felt as passengers line the platform waiting for the arrival of the Seashore Lines Santa Express! Operated by the Seashore Lines Railroad, it is one of several popular excursions, taking passengers on a 75-minute journey between Richland and Tuckahoe, and has remained a Christmas tradition for families far and wide since 1996. This particular excursion service will amaze kids of all ages with special appearances from Santa, his elf, live musicians and the train conductors to make spirits bright for the holiday season.
At the Tuckahoe Station, passengers will get a feel of the allure of historic landmarks that line the streets of this railroad town. The former Reading Company structures and charming passenger station, originally built in 1897, remain in service. Even the steel water tower, once used to supply water to steam locomotives, has been standing since 1922.
In Richland, the vibrant history of a blossoming rail town remains untarnished. Directly across the street from the station is the Richland General Store, one of the town’s most iconic landmarks and a mainstay in the community for over a century. And just a few blocks down the street, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of carefully handcrafted model railroads at Patcong Valley Model Railroad Club.
Passengers will instantly notice the classic trains that are a mainstay to this special line. The locomotives were built in the 1960s, but look like newly minted off the showroom floor. Step inside one of the coach cars, and Christmas lights and posters of the past line the walls and ceilings. As you leave the station, families will be greeted by a friendly elf, leading into a cheery rendition of “Jingle All the Way.” And, of course, the ride would not be complete without a visit from Santa himself. Passenger Services Representative Alex Chmelowitz said the Santa Express provides one of a kind memories for all passengers, especially children.
“The ability to impact a child in their early years is very special,” he noted.
Families can select a ride in one of the coach cars, or take a first class excursion in the Vista Valley, a deluxe lounge car featuring Private Family Suites. The Vista Valley, formerly of the famous train the Super Chief (known as the “Train of the Stars”), traveled between Chicago and Los Angeles, carrying well-known celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Clark Gable.
The seashore rail line in use today was constructed in 1863 by the Tuckahoe and Cape May Railroad. Both the Richland and Tuckahoe stations served as a stopping point for the Reading Company’s Atlantic City Railroad, and, later, the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines (PRSL), providing seasonal service to Cape May County. Often dubbed “The Steel Speedway to the Shore,” several former Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines railcars remain part of the modern Seashore Lines fleet.
In the summer of 1927, during its peak of operation, both stations saw a total of nineteen “through” round trips. By 1976, the PRSL was operated by Conrail, who operated freight service between Tuckahoe, Beesley’s Point and Cape May Court House. Passenger service ended on Oct. 2, 1981 between Cape May and Lindenwold.
Today, the Cape May Seashore Lines offer both passenger excursions, in addition to freight service for local industries. Tony Macrie founded the modern day Seashore Lines Railroad in 1996, after beginning his railroad career as a track laborer in Pennsylvania. “I love what I do. It isn’t for the weak and weary,” he said.
The Santa Express offers children of any age the experience and excitement that the holiday season has to offer. Chmelowitz agrees. “Without a doubt, (it is) the most special time of year. The Seashore Lines operates other passenger excursion services during the course of the year, but the Santa Express is the most popular with our patrons.”
The Santa Express operates now through Dec. 23. Parents can book tickets online by visiting www.seashorelines.org. Also, be sure to stay tuned for information regarding future excursions this upcoming year!
