Select References Relating to the
Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern
If you're interested in learning more about the Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern, you can try hunting down some of the books and references listed below.
"Does This Train Go Up Hawk Mountain?", by Wally Ely.
This short book offers a concise history of the Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern with a lot of great color photos. The book can be found at the WK&S Gift Shop. Or contact the publisher at Garrigues Publishing, Paul Kuehner, P.O. Box 400, Laury's Station, PA 18059.
"The Wilmington & Columbia Division of the Reading Railroad: The Schuylkill & Lehigh Branch", by Benjamin L. Bernhart.
The WK&S exists on a portion of track once known as the Schuylkill & Lehigh Branch of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad. This short book offers a concise history of the Schuylkill & Lehigh. The book may be tough to find, however. Try a railroad memorabilia swap meet. Or try searching the Internet or eBay.
"The Route of the Berksey", also by Benjamin L. Bernhart.
This short book offers a look at life along the towns served by the Schuylkill & Lehigh with many good photos. The book may be tough to find, however. Try a railroad memorabilia swap meet. Or try searching the Internet or eBay.
"Reading Railroad Station Pictorial, Lines P - Z", also by Benjamin L. Bernhart.
This book includes a chapter about stations along Schuylkill & Lehigh. The book may be tough to find, however. Try a railroad memorabilia swap meet. Or try searching the Internet or eBay.
"The Reading Railroad: History of a Coal Age Empire, Volume 1", by James L. Holton.
This book is long and intense. It's a comprehensive history of the entire Philadelphia & Reading Railroad in the nineteenth century. You'll learn how the Schuylkill & Lehigh was integrated with the rest of the Philadelphia & Reading system. Try searching the Internet, eBay or Amazon.
Kempton and Albany Township: A Photographic History
This book has some railroad related items, but it's more generally geared toward the local history of Kempton and surrounding Albany Township. However, the historical photographs are excellent. The book was from the Albany Township Historical Society and may no longer be available.
"Steam Locomotive & Railroad Tradition", #15-16, May 1965, by William S. Young.
This obscure magazine issue will be near impossible to find. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on a copy you'll find an outstanding history of the first two years of operation of the WK&S. There's also an article about the Bonhomie & Hattiesburg Southern Railroad, prior owner of WK&S locomotive #250.
Dan Christ Art Gallery
Check out Dan's "Historical Series" for some prints of how Kempton and Trexler appeared in the past. They're both excellent.
Dan's "Train Track Series" is also of interest and features Reading steam locomotives and scenery similar to that found along the WK&S.